2018 Candidate Packet

Rachael B. Garcia Elections Administrator Refugio County, Texas

P.O. Box 452 Refugio, Texas 78377

Phone: (361) 526-2151 Fax: (361) 526-2102

To: Candidate or Officeholder

Subject: Election Forms and Resources

Attached are the some of the general forms and instructions you might find helpful.

All the forms and other additional information that you might need may also be found on the Secretary of State Elections Website.

The Appointment of A Campaign Treasurer By A Candidate and other Campaign Finance Reports are filed with the Elections Administration Office.

The application form for a place on the ballot are filed with your Party Chair.

Other Useful Resources:

AGENCY PHONE WEBSITE

SECRETARY OF STATE 1-800-252-VOTE www.sos.state.tx.us TEXAS LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL (512) 463-1151 www.tlc.state.tx.us TEXAS ETHICS COMMISSION 1-800-325-8506 www.ethics.state.tx.us TEXAS DEMOCRATIC PARTY (512) 478-9800 www.txdemocrats.org REPUBLICAN PARTY OF TEXAS (512) 477-9821 www.texasgop.org

All of the forms that you will need to file your regular campaign finance reports may also be found and completed online with the Texas Ethics Commission.

We are only the filing authority. We cannot assist you or advice you on how the forms should be completed.

It is the responsibility of the candidate and/or officeholder to meet the deadlines and contact the Texas Ethics Commission for all questions. First Steps for Candidates Running for a County, Precinct, or District Office

This quick-start guide for non-judicial candidates is not intended to provide comprehensive information. Different filing requirements apply to certain judicial offices. For more details, including information for judicial candidates, see the Texas Ethics Commission’s (TEC) website at www.ethics.state.tx.us.

1. All candidates must file a Campaign Treasurer Appointment (Form CTA) All candidates must file Form CTA even if you do not intend to raise or spend any money. Form CTA is required to be filed before you file an application for a place on the ballot, raise or spend any money for your campaign, or announce your candidacy. Candidates for a county office (except for multi-county district offices) will file Form CTA with the county clerk, elections administrator, or tax assessor, as applicable.

2. Opposed Candidates: Will you accept or spend more than $500 for the election?  YES: o You do not qualify to file on the modified reporting schedule. o You are required to file pre-election campaign finance reports using Form C/OH if you have an opponent on the ballot. o Pre-election reports are due 30 days and 8 days prior to each election. To be timely filed, pre- election reports must be received by the county clerk, elections administrator, or tax assessor no later than the due date.  NO: o You can elect to file on the modified reporting schedule by completing the Modified Reporting Declaration on page two of Form CTA. File form CTA with the county clerk, elections administrator, or tax assessor. o If you elect to file on the modified reporting schedule, you do not have to file pre-election campaign finance reports due 30 days and 8 days prior to the election.

 Exceed $500: If you elect to file on the modified reporting schedule but later exceed $500 in either contributions or expenditures, what reports you will be required to file depends upon when you exceed $500.

o If you exceed $500 prior to the 30th day before the election, you are required to file pre-election campaign finance reports due 30 days and 8 days prior to an election using Form C/OH. To be timely filed, pre-election reports must be received by the county clerk, elections administrator, or tax assessor no later than the due date. o If you exceed $500 after the 30th day before the election, you are required to file an Exceeded $500 Limit report using Form C/OH. To be timely filed, this report must be filed with the county clerk, elections administrator, or tax assessor within 48 hours of exceeding $500. o If you exceed $500 prior to the 8th day before the election, you are required to file a pre-election campaign finance report due 8 days prior to an election using Form C/OH. To be timely filed, the pre-election report must be received by the county clerk, elections administrator, or tax assessor no later than the due date.

3. Unopposed Candidates If you do not have an opponent whose name will appear on the ballot in the election, you are an unopposed candidate and are not required to file pre-election campaign finance reports prior to that election.

4. All candidates must file semiannual campaign finance reports (Form C/OH) All candidates are required to file semiannual reports using Form C/OH even if you have no campaign activity or were unsuccessful in the election. Semiannual reports are due on January 15th and July 15th and must be Texas Ethics Commission Page 1 of 2 Revised 2/19/2016 filed with the county clerk, elections administrator, or tax assessor. To end your filing obligations, you must cease campaign activity and file a Final report using Form C/OH and attaching Form C/OH-FR (Designation of Final Report). For more information, see the “Ending Your Campaign” FAQ located at www.ethics.state.tx.us/whatsnew/EndingYourCampaign.pdf for more information.

5. All candidates can use the TEC’s Filing Application to prepare campaign finance reports (Form C/OH) You can use the TEC’s Filing Application at www.ethics.state.tx.us/File/ to prepare a PDF version of your campaign finance reports (Form C/OH). Select “Local Authority” and follow the steps to set up an account and login to the application. The filing application will walk you through each reporting schedule. Once you have completed your report, print out a copy, get it notarized, and file it with the county clerk, elections administrator, or tax assessor by the appropriate deadline.

6. Need More Information? TEC has published a campaign finance guide for local candidates and officeholders located at www.ethics.state.tx.us/guides/coh_local_guide.pdf. Also, you can visit our website at www.ethics.state.tx.us to find forms, instructions, common reporting errors (under “Hot Topics”), political advertising and fundraising guides, and other information you may find useful.

Texas Ethics Commission Page 2 of 2 Revised 2/19/2016 Refugio County ELECTIONSELECTIONS ADMINISTRATIONADMINISTRATION VOTER REGISTRATION

414C North Alamo St. Refugio, Texas 78377 (361) 526-2151 ______

WEBSITE

www.co.refugio.tx.us Click on Elections Administrator under Other County Offices

ALSO BE SURE TO LIKE US ON FACEBOOK

______

VOTER REGISTRATION RECORDS

You may now request voter registration list in person or by email.

Letter Legal Other Size Size Method 8.5 x 11 8.5 x 14 11x17 How to Obtain Per Page

Complete Voter Registration Public Information Request Hard Copy .10 .25 .50 form at Elections Administration Office

Request must be specific and detailed No cost to email Chose format (PDF, EXCEL OR CSV)

Electronic Format In order to receive a daily list, a request must be There may be a fee for list that are not commonly generated received by you daily (Ex. Early Voting Voters Voted)

The information you requested will be furnished not later than the 15th day after the date the request is received. (Texas Election Code, Section 18.066) REFUGIO COUNTY PARTY CHAIRS

DEMOCRATIC PARTY

Bernice Macias Democratic Party Chair P.O. Box 34 – 425 First St. Bayside, Texas 78340 (361) 876-4106 Cell E-mail: [email protected]

REPUBLICAN PARTY

Jeffrey Steele Republican Party Chair 606 Oak St. Refugio, Texas 78377 (361) 526-4976 Home (361) 935-3842 Cell E-mail: [email protected]

Important Addresses

Texas Secretary of State State Capitol P.O. Box 12060 Austin, Texas 78711-2060 (512) 463-5650 or 1-800-252-VOTE (8683)

Texas Ethics Commission State Capitol Physical Address: 201 E. 14 St 10th Floor Austin, Texas 78701 Mailing Address: P.O. Box 12070 Austin, TX 78711-2070 (512) 463-5800

Federal Election Commission 999 E Street, N.W. Washington, D.C. 20463 1-800-424-9530

Republican Party of Texas James Dickey, Chair 211 E. 7th Street, Suite 915 Austin, Texas 78701 (512) 477-9821

Texas Democratic Party Gilberto Hinojosa, Chair 1106 Lavaca Street, #100 Austin, Texas 78701 (512) 478-9800

Libertarian Party of Texas John Wilford, Chair 111 Congress Avenue, Suite 400 Austin, Texas 78701 (800) 422-1776

Green Party of Texas Wesson Gaige, Co-Chair Laura Palmer, Co-Chair P.O. Box 271080 Houston, TX 77277-1080 (512) 551-0310

Offices up for Election in 2018

Note: This is a preliminary list that is subject to change as we are notified about vacancies and newly-created offices. Also, visit our website for an unofficial list of candidates once filing is underway.

Office Term

United States Senator 6 yr. term All 36 United States Representatives 2 yr. term Governor 4 yr. term Lieutenant Governor 4 yr. term Attorney General 4 yr. term Comptroller of Public Accounts 4 yr. term Commissioner of General Land Office 4 yr. term Commissioner of Agriculture 4 yr. term

Railroad Commissioners 6 yr. term 3 members of the Supreme Court 6 yr. term 3 members of the Court of Criminal Appeals 6 yr. term 7 Members, State Board of Education 4 yr. term 15 State Senators 4 yr. term All 150 State Representatives 2 yr. term 5 Chief Justice of Courts of Appeals 6 yr. term Various Court of Appeals Justices 6 yr. term Various District Judges 4 yr. term Various Criminal District Judges 4 yr. term Various Family District Judges 4 yr. term District Attorneys 4 yr. term Criminal District Attorney 4 yr. term County Judge 4 yr. term County Court at Law 4 yr. term Judge, County Court-at-Law 4 yr. term Judge, County Criminal Ct. 4 yr. term Judge, County Probate Ct. 4 yr. term District Clerk 4 yr. term District & County Clerk 4 yr. term County Clerk 4 yr. term County Treasurer 4 yr. term County Surveyor 4 yr. term County Commissioners 4 yr. term Justices of the Peace 4 yr. term Constable 4 yr. term

NOTE: Incumbent office holders appear where listed. This is not a list of current candidates or those who have filed a candidate application for the office.

NOTE: For many years, article XVI, Section 65 of the Texas Constitution set out which county offices would be up for election. This language (setting up the staggering scheme) was omitted in 1999 in "clean-up" legislation. Our office requested an attorney general opinion, expressing our concern about the omitted staggering scheme. The attorney general opined that because the staggering scheme was removed, any newly-created offices would be on the next ballot for the full four-year term. See Texas Attorney General Opinion Number JC-0519 (2002). You will need to check your county records to see if your county created new offices since the 1999 constitutional change.

Qualifications for Office

Public Office Sought in 2018 U.S. Texas District Registered to Age Practicing Sourced Term of Citizen Resident Resident Vote in Area Lawyer or Office Elected From Judge United States Senator 9 yrs Yesa - not req'd 30 - I § 3 6 yrs.

United States Representative 7 yrs. Yesa not req'd not req'd 25 - I § 2 2 yrs.

Governor Yes 5 yrs.b - not req’d 30g - IV § 4 4 yrs.

Lieutenant Governor Yes 5 yrs.b - not req’d 30g - IV § 16 4 yrs.

Attorney General Yes 12 mo.c - Yesc 18g not req'd IV § 22 4 yrs.

Comptroller of Public Accounts Yes 12 mo.c - Yesc 18g - IV § 23 4 yrs.

Commissioner of General Land Yes 12 mo.c - Yesc 18g - IV § 23 4 yrs. Office Commissioner of Agriculture Yes 12 mo.c - Yesc 18g - IV § 23 4 yrs.

Railroad Commissioner Yes Yesc - Yesc 25g - § 81.01003, 6 yrs. § 81.01004 Justice of the Supreme Court Yes Yesc - Yesc 35b 10 yrs.b V § 2 6 yrs.

Judge, Court of Criminal Appeals Yes Yesc - Yesc 35b 10 yrs.b V § 4 6 yrs.

State Senator Yes 5 yrs.b 12 mo.b not req’d h 26b - III § 6 4 yrs.

State Representative Yes 2 yrs.b 12 mo.b not req’d h 21b - III § 7 2 yrs.

Member, State Board of Education Yes 12 mo. 12 mo.b Yesc 26b - § 7.103, 4 yrs. § 7.104 Chief Justice & Justice, Yes Yesc Yesc Yesc 35b 10 yrs.b V § 6 6 yrs. Court of Appeals

District Judge Yes 2 yrs.b 2 yrs.b Yesc 25g 4 yrs.b V § 7, 4 yrs. § 24.001 Criminal District Judge Yes 2 yrs.b 2 yrs.b Yesc 25g 4 yrs.b V § 7, 4 yrs. § 24.001 Family District Judge Yes 2 yrs.b 2 yrs.b Yesc 25g 4 yrs.b V § 7, 4 yrs. § 24.001 District Attorney Yes 12 mo.c 6 mo.c Yesc 18g Yes V § 30, 4 yrs. § 41.001 Criminal District Attorney Yes 12 mo.c 6 mo.c Yesc 18g Yes V § 30, 4 yrs. ch. 44, § 41.001

c c c g County Judge Yes 12 mo. 6 mo. Yes 18 not req'd V § 15 4 yrs.

Judge, County Court-at-Law Yes Yes 2 yrs.c e Yesc 25e g 4 yrs.b e V § 30, 4 yrs. § 25.0014 Judge, County Criminal Ct. Yes Yes 2 yrs.c e Yesc 25e g 4 yrs.b e V § 30, 4 yrs. § 25.0014 Judge, County Probate Ct. Yes Yes 2 yrs.c e Yesc 25e g 5 yrs.b e V § 30, 4 yrs. § 25.0033

c c c g District Clerk Yes 12 mo. 6 mo. Yes 18 - V § 9 4 yrs.

c c c g District & County Clerk Yes 12 mo. 6 mo. Yes 18 - V § 20 4 yrs.

c c c g County Clerk Yes 12 mo. 6 mo. Yes 18 V § 20 4 yrs.

c c c g County Treasurer Yes 12 mo. 6 mo. Yes 18 XVI § 44 4 yrs.

c c c g County Surveyor Yes 12 mo. 6 mo. Yes 18 XVI § 44 4 yrs.

County Commissioner Yes 12 mo.c 6 mo.c Yesc 18g 4 yrs. V § 18

c c c g Justice of the Peace Yes 12 mo. 6 mo. Yes 18 V § 18 4 yrs.

Constable Yes 12 mo.c 6 mo.c Yesc 18g V § 18 4 yrs. § 86.0021

a. No duration specified. b. Before date of general election. c. As of December 11, 2017, if candidate for Democratic or Republican Party Nomination. As of the date of nomination, if other party nominee for statewide, multi-county district, single-county district, county or precinct office. As of June 21, 2018, if independent candidate. As of November 6, 2018, if declared write-in candidate. d. Citations refer to article and section number of the U.S. Const. for U.S. Senator and U.S. Rep.; section number of the Tex. Educ. Code for Member, State Board of Education; section number of the Tex. Nat. Res. Code for Railroad Commission; section number of the Tex. Gov’t Code for district judge, district attorney and statutory county court; section number for Texas Loc. Gov’t Code for constable; and article and section number of the Tex. Const. for all others. Also see § 141.001 of the Tex. Elec. Code. e. Statutory qualifications may vary; contact your local party chair or the Secretary of State. f. Additional qualifications for constable: must be either (1) eligible to be licensed under sections 1701.309, 1701.312, and 1701.502 of the Texas Occupations Code AND (a) has at least an associate’s degree, (b) is a special investigator under Article 2.122(a), Code of Criminal Procedure, or (c) is an honorably retired peace officer or honorably retired federal criminal investigator who holds a certificate of proficiency issued under Section 1701.357, Texas Occupations Code OR (2) an active or inactive licensed peace officer under Chapter 1701 of the Texas Occupations Code. g. On first day of term to be filled at election. Note: A candidate might need to be age 18 at an earlier date than the first day of the term to be filled at election if the candidate is required to be a registered voter. See offices requiring voter registration. h. The offices of state senator and state representative must be qualified voters as defined by Tex. Const. Art. VI, Sec. 2. This definition provides that an individual must be eligible to register to vote but need not actually be a registered voter.

Special Note 1:Please be advised that due to the removal of the staggering schedule from Article XVI, Section 65 of the Texas Constitution, there are various local offices which may have been created by your county commissioners court or the Texas Legislature but are not listed in this guide. For further information on filing for county offices not listed, please contact the county clerk’s/elections administrator’s office or the office of the Secretary of State.

Special Note 2: Please be advised that executive and judicial officers elected in a statewide election, state appellate and district judges, members of the State Board of Education, and district or criminal district attorneys (among others) are subject to the provisions of Chapter 572 of the Texas Government Code Ann., which relates to personal financial disclosure, standards of conduct, and conflicts of interest issues. For further information on the applicability and requirements of Chapter 572, candidates should contact the Texas Ethics Commission.

Republican or Democratic Party Nominees

In order to become the Republican or Democratic Party nominee for a particular office, you must file an application (PDF) for a place on the ballot with the county or state party chair, as appropriate (see chart). Tex. Elec. Code Ann. § 172.022. Candidates for federal office must file a federal application (PDF). The application must be filed between November 11, 2017 and by 6:00p.m. on December 11, 2017. Tex. Elec. Code Ann. § 172.023. The application for a place on the primary ballot must be accompanied by either a filing fee or a petition in lieu of filing fee (PDF)signed by a certain number of qualified voters. Certain judicial candidates in Bexar, Dallas, Harris, Tarrant and Travis must file additional petitions (PDF). Certain Statewide judicial candidates must also file additional petitions using the Statewide Judicial Office on Primary Ballot petition form (PDF).

See Tex. Elec. Code Ann. § 162.015 for more details about how primary voting or candidacy affects (or does not affect) candidacy in the general election.

Democratic or Republican Party Nominee Public Office Sought in 2018 File App. with Party Filing Fee Nominating Petition in Lieu of Chair Filing Fee State County %Signatures c Number of Signaturesh United States Senator x - $5,000 - 5000 United States Representative x a - $3,125 2% 500 Governor x - $3,750 - 5000 Lieutenant Governor x - $3,750 - 5000 Attorney General x - $3,750 - 5000 Comptroller of Public Accounts x - $3,750 - 5000 Commissioner of General Land Office x - $3,750 - 5000 Commissioner of Agriculture x - $3,750 - 5000 Railroad Commissioner x - $3,750 - 5000 Justice, Supreme Court g x - $3,750 - 5000 Judge, Court of Criminal Appeals g x - $3,750 - 5000 State Senator x a - $1,250 2% 500 State Representative x a - $750 2% 500 Member, State Board of Education x a - $300 2% 500 Chief Justice and Justice, Court of Appeals b x a - $2,500 / $1,875e 2% 500 District Judge b x a - $2,500 / $1,500f 2% 500 Criminal District Judge b x a - $2,500 / $1,500f 2% 500 Family District Judge b x a - $2,500 / $1,500f 2% 500 District Attorney x a - $1,250 2% 500 Criminal District Attorney x a - $1,250 2% 500 County Judge - x $1,250 / $750d 2% 500 Judge, County Court-at-Law b - x $2,500 / $1,500f 2% 500 Judge, County Criminal Court b - x $2,500 / $1,500f 2% 500 Judge, County Probate Court b - x $2,500 / $1,500f 2% 500 District Clerk - x $1,250 / $750d 2% 500 District & County Clerk - x $1,250 / $750d 2% 500 County Clerk - x $1,250 / $750d 2% 500 County Treasurer - x $1,250 / $750d 2% 500 County Surveyor - x $75 2% 500 County Commissioner - x $1,250 / $750d 2% 500 Justice of the Peace b - x $1,000 / $375d 2% 500 Constable - x $1,000 / $375d 2% 500 Source: Texas Election Code Section §172.022 §172.024 §172.025 a. File with county chair if district is comprised of only one county. b. Senate Bill 44 (2017) reinstituted the petition requirement for certain judicial candidates. For candidates running for Courts of Appeals in the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th and 14th Districts and all candidates running for judicial offices in Bexar, Dallas, Harris and Tarrant Counties, a 250- signature judicial petition is required in addition to the filing fee, or 750 signatures must be collected on the petition in lieu of filing fee. c. Percentage of all votes for all gubernatorial candidates cast in the applicable territory in the 2014 general election. If number is less than 50, the required number of signatures is the lesser of (1) 50 or (2) 20% of all votes for all gubernatorial candidates cast in the applicable territory in the 2014 general election. d. Pay higher fee if county has at least 200,000 inhabitants according to 2010 Census. e. Pay higher fee in Courts of Appeals Districts 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 14. Tex. Elec. Code Ann. § 172.024(7), (8) f. Pay higher fee in Bexar, Dallas, Harris and Tarrant Counties. Tex. Elec. Code Ann. § 172.024(10), (12) g. Senate Bill 44 (2017) reinstituted the petition requirement for certain judicial candidates. A candidate for the office of chief justice or justice, supreme court, or presiding judge or judge, court of criminal appeals, who chooses to pay the filing fee, must also accompany the application and fee with a petition. The minimum number of signatures that must appear on the petition is 50 from each of the fourteen court of appeals districts, for a total requirement of 700 signatures. h. The minimum number of signatures that must appear on a candidate’s petition for statewide office is 5000. The minimum number of signatures that must appear on a candidate’s petition for district, county or precinct office is the lesser of (1) 500 or (2) 2% of the total vote received in the district, county or precinct, as applicable, by all gubernatorial candidates in the 2014 general election, subject to (c) above. Tex. Elec. Code Ann. § 172.025.

For a more accessible form please contact the webmaster via email at 2-2 [email protected] Prescribed by Secretary of State Sections 141.031, 172.021, Texas Election Code 8/2017 All fields MUST be completed unless marked optional. Failure to provide required information may result in rejection of application. APPLICATION FOR A PLACE ON THE ______PARTY GENERAL PRIMARY BALLOT TO: State/County Chair

I request that my name be placed on the above-named official primary ballot as a candidate for nomination to the office indicated below. OFFICE SOUGHT (Include any place number or other distinguishing number, if any.) INDICATE TERM FULL UNEXPIRED FULL NAME (First, Middle, Last) PRINT NAME AS YOU WANT IT TO APPEAR ON THE BALLOT*

PERMANENT RESIDENCE ADDRESS (Do not include a P.O. Box or Rural PUBLIC MAILING ADDRESS (Address for which you receive campaign Route. If you do not have a residence address, describe location of related correspondence, if available.) residence.)

CITY STATE ZIP CITY STATE ZIP

PUBLIC EMAIL ADDRESS (If available) OCCUPATION DATE OF BIRTH VOTER REGISTRATION VUID NUMBER1 (Optional) / / TELEPHONE CONTACT INFORMATION (Optional) LENGTH OF CONTINUOUS RESIDENCE AS OF DATE APPLICATION SWORN Home: IN STATE IN TERRITORY/DISTRICT/PRECINCT FROM WHICH THE OFFICE SOUGHT IS ELECTED Work: _____ year(s) _____ year(s) Cell: _____ month(s) _____ month(s) *If using a nickname as part of your name to appear on the ballot, you are also signing and swearing to the following statements: I further swear that my nickname does not constitute a slogan or contain a title, nor does it indicate a political, economic, social, or religious view or affiliation. I have been commonly known by this nickname for at least three years prior to this election.

Before me, the undersigned authority, on this day personally appeared (name of candidate)______, who being by me here and now duly sworn, upon oath says:

“I, (name of candidate) ______, of ______County, Texas, being a candidate for the office of ______, swear that I will support and defend the Constitution and laws of the United States and of the State of Texas. I am a citizen of the United States eligible to hold such office under the constitution and laws of this state. I have not been finally convicted of a felony for which I have not been pardoned or had my full rights of citizenship restored by other official action. I have not been determined by a final judgment of a court exercising probate jurisdiction to be totally mentally incapacitated or partially mentally incapacitated without the right to vote. I am aware of the nepotism law, Chapter 573, Government Code.

I further swear that the foregoing statements included in my application are in all things true and correct.” X ______SIGNATURE OF CANDIDATE Sworn to and subscribed before me this the ______day of ______, ______, by ______. Month Year Name of Candidate SEAL ______Signature of Officer Administering Oath2 Title of Officer Administering Oath TO BE COMPLETED BY CHAIR: THIS APPLICATION IS ACCOMPANIED BY THE REQUIRED FILING FEE PAID BY: CASH, CHECK, MONEY ORDER, CASHIERS CHECK, OR PETITION IN LIEU OF FILING FEE.

This document and $______filing fee or a nominating petition of______is pages received.

(See Section 1.007) ______Voter Registration Status Verified Date Received Date Accepted Signature of Chair 2-2 Prescribed by Secretary of State Sections 141.031, 172.021, Texas Election Code 8/2017

INSTRUCTIONS

The filing deadline is 6:00 p.m. on the second Monday in December for candidates.

The application shall be filed with the state chair for all statewide offices and all district offices which are filled by the choice of voters residing in more than one county. The application shall be filed with the county chair for all county and precinct offices and all district offices which are filled by the choice of voters residing in only one county or part of one county. The application may also be filed with the secretary of the county executive committee, if there is one. TEX. ELEC. CODE § 172.022.

NEPOTISM LAW

The candidate must sign this statement indicating his awareness of the nepotism law. The nepotism prohibitions of chapter 573, Government Code, are summarized below:

No officer may appoint, or vote for or confirm the appointment or employment of any person related within the second degree by affinity (marriage) or the third degree by consanguinity (blood) to himself, or to any other member of the governing body or court on which he serves when the compensation of that person is to be paid out of public funds or fees of office. However, nothing in the law prevents the appointment, voting for, or confirmation of anyone who has been continuously employed in the office or employment for the following period prior to the election or appointment of the officer or member related to the employee in the prohibited degree: one year, if the officer or member is elected at the general election for state and county officers.

No candidate may take action to influence an employee of the office to which the candidate is seeking election or an employee or officer of the governmental body to which the candidate is seeking election regarding the appointment or employment of a person related to the candidate in a prohibited degree as noted above. This prohibition does not apply to a candidate’s actions with respect to a bona fide class or category of employees or prospective employees.

Examples of relatives within the third degree of consanguinity are as follows: (1) First degree: parent, child; (2) Second degree: brother, sister, grandparent, grandchild; (3) Third degree: great-grandparent, great-grandchild, uncle, aunt, nephew, niece.

These include relatives by blood, half-blood, and legal adoption. Examples of relatives within the second degree of affinity are as follows: (1) First degree: spouse, spouse’s parent, son-in-law, daughter-in-law; (2) Second degree: brother’s spouse, sister’s spouse, spouse’s brother, spouse’s sister, spouse’s grandparent.

Persons related by affinity (marriage) include spouses of relatives by consanguinity, and, if married, the spouse and the spouse’s relatives by consanguinity. These examples are not all inclusive.

FOOTNOTES

1Inclusion of a candidate’s VUID is optional. However, many candidates are required to be registered voters in the territory from which the office is elected at the time of the filing deadline. Additional information about the voter registration requirement can be found on the Secretary of State’s Qualifications outline at http://www.sos.state.tx.us/elections/candidates/guide/qualifications.shtml

2All oaths, affidavits, or affirmations made within this State may be administered and a certificate of the fact given by a judge, clerk, or commissioner of any court of record, a notary public, a justice of the peace, city secretary, and the Secretary of State of Texas.

FOR YOUR INFORMATION

All information contained in the application for a place on the ballot is public information.

2-2 Prescribed by Secretary of State Sections 141.031, 172.021, Texas Election Code 8/2017 FILING FEE SCHEDULE

United States Senator $5,000

All Other Statewide Offices $3,750

United States Representative $3,125

State Senator $1,250

State Representative $750

Member, State Board of Education $300

Chief Justice or Justice, Court of Appeals $1,875

Chief Justice or Justice of a Court of Appeals that serves a Court of Appeals District in $2,500 which a county with a population of more than 750,000 is wholly or partly situated

District Judge or Judge specified by Sec. 52.092(d) for which this schedule does not $1,500 otherwise prescribe a fee

District or Criminal District Judge of a court in a judicial district wholly contained in a $2,500 county with a population of more than 850,000

Judge of a Statutory Court (except as provided below) $1,500

Judge of a Statutory County Court in a county with a population of more than 850,000 $2,500

District Attorney or Criminal District Attorney or County Attorney performing the duties $1,250 of a District Attorney

County Judge, County Commissioner, District Clerk, County Clerk, Sheriff, County Tax-Assessor-Collector and County Treasurer County of 200,000 more population $1,250

County of under 200,000 population $750

Justice of the Peace or Constable

County of 200,000 more population $1,000

County of under 200,000 population $375

County Surveyor, Public Weigher or Inspector of Hides and Animals $75

All County Offices not otherwise listed $750

2-2 Prescrito por el Secretario de Estado Secciones 141.031, 172.021, Código Electoral de Texas 8/2017

Todos los campos DEBEN ser completados a menos que estén marcados como opcionales. El no proporcionar la información requerida puede resultar en el rechazo de la solicitud. SOLICITUD PARA UN LUGAR EN LA BOLETA DE LA ELECCIÓN PRIMARIA GENERAL DEL PARTIDO ______A: Presidente Estatal del Partido/ Presidente del Condado

Solicito que mi nombre aparezca en la boleta oficial de la primaria el cual aparece arriba como candidato/a para la nominación del cargo indicado abajo. CARGO OFICIAL SOLICITADO (Incluya cualquier número de cargo u otro número distintivo, si INDIQUE TÉRMINO el cargo lo tiene.) TÉRMINO COMPLETO

TÉRMINO INCOMPLETO NOMBRE COMPLETO (Primer Nombre, Segundo Nombre, Apellido) ESCRIBA SU NOMBRE COMO DESEA QUE APAREZCA EN LA BOLETA*

DIRECCIÓN RESIDENCIAL PERMANENTE (No incluya una casilla postal o DIRECCIÓN POSTAL PÚBLICA (Dirección a la que recibirá correspondencia una ruta rural. Si usted no tiene una dirección residencial, describa la relacionada a su campaña, si está disponible.) ubicación de su residencia.)

CIUDAD ESTADO CÓDIGO POSTAL CIUDAD ESTADO CÓDIGO POSTAL

CORREO ELECTRÓNICO PÚBLICO (Si está OCUPACIÓN FECHA DE NACIMIENTO VUID – NÚMERO UNICO DE disponible) IDENTIFICACION DE VOTANTE¹ / / (Opcional)

INFORMACIÓN DE CONTACTO TELEFÓNICO (Opcional) DURACIÓN DE RESIDENCIA CONTINUA A PARTIR DE LA FECHA QUE USTED HAGA EL JURAMENTO DE ESTA SOLICITUD Tel. de Domicilio: EN EL ESTADO EN EL TERRITORIO/DISTRITO/PRECINTO Tel. de Oficina: _____ año(s) POR EL CUAL SERIA ELECTO/A _____ año(s) Tel. Celular: _____ mes(es) _____ mes(es) *Si usted incluye un apodo como parte de su nombre en la boleta, usted también firma y jura lo siguiente: Yo también juro que mi apodo no constituye un lema o contiene un título, ni tampoco es una indicación de mis creencias o afiliaciones políticas, económicas, sociales o religiosas. He sido conocido comúnmente por este apodo por lo menos tres años antes de esta elección. Ante mí, la autoridad suscrita, apareció en persona este diá (nombre del candidato)______, quien habiendo aquí y ahora prestado juramento debido, bajo juramento dice:

“Yo, (nombre del candidato)______, del condado de ______, Texas, siendo candidato para el cargo oficial de ______, solemnemente juro que apoyaré y defenderé la Constitución y las leyes de los Estados Unidos y del Estado de Texas. Soy ciudadano de los Estados Unidos elegible para ocupar tal cargo oficial bajo la Constitución y las leyes de este Estado. No he sido finalmente condenado por una felonía por la cual no he sido perdonado o por la cual no se me han restituido enteramente mis derechos de ciudadanía por medio de otra acción oficial. No se me ha determinado por un juicio final de una jurisdicción testamentaria tribunal que juzga, ser totalmente incapacitado mentalmente o parcialmente incapacitado sin el derecho de votar. Yo tengo conocimiento de la ley sobre el nepotismo según el Capítulo 573 del Código de Gobierno.

Además juro que las anteriores declaraciones que incluyo en mi solicitud son verdaderas y correctas en todo sentido.”

X ______FIRMA DEL CANDIDATO Jurado y suscrito ante mí en , este día de , por ______. Mes Año Nombre del Candidato

______SELLO Firma del oficial administrando el juramento² Título del oficial administrando el juramento

TO BE COMPLETED BY CHAIR: THIS APPLICATION IS ACCOMPANIED BY THE REQUIRED FILING FEE PAID BY: CASH, CHECK, MONEY ORDER, CASHIERS CHECK, OR PETITION IN LIEU OF FILING FEE.

This document and $______filing fee or a nominating petition of______is pages received.

(See Section 1.007) ______Voter Registration Status Verified Date Received Date Accepted Signature of Chair

2-2 Prescrito por la Secretaría de Estado Secciones 141.031, 172.021, Código Electoral de Texas 8/2017 INSTRUCCIONES

La fecha límite de esta solicitud es el segundo lunes de diciembre a las 6:00 p.m. para los candidatos.

En el caso de todos los puestos oficiales estatales y todos los puestos oficiales del distrito que se ocupan por la selección de votantes que residen en más de un condado, la aplicación se registrará con el presidente del Estado. En el caso de todos los puestos oficiales del condado, del precinto y del distrito que se ocupan por la selección de votantes que residen en solamente un condado o parte de un condado, la aplicación se registrará con el presidente del condado. La solicitud también podrá presentarse al secretario del comité ejecutivo del condado, si aplicable. Secc. §172.022 del Cód. Elec. de Tex.

LEY SOBRE EL NEPOTISMO

El candidato deberá firmar esta declaración indicando que él/ella está enterado(a) de la ley sobre el nepotismo. Lo siguiente es un resumen de las prohibiciones del nepotismo al acuerdo al capitulo 573 de Código Gobierno:

Ningún oficial podrá nombrar, o votar por o confirmar el nombramiento o empleo de alguna persona que está emparentada con él dentro del segundo grado por afinidad (matrimonio) o dentro del tercer grado por consanguinidad (sangre), o que está emparentada con cualesquier otro miembro del cuerpo directivo o corte en que él/ella celebra sesión cuando la compensación de esa persona estará pagada con fondos públicos o los honorarios del puesto oficial. Sin embargo, la ley no prohíbe el nombramiento, el votar por, o la confirmación de alguna persona que continuadamente ha sido empleado de la oficina o ha sido empleado durante el siguiente plazo antes de la elección o el nombramiento del oficial o miembro que está emparentado con el empleado en el grado prohibido: un año, si el oficial o miembro está elegido en la elección general para oficiales del estado y del condado.

Ningún candidato podrá obrar para influir a un empleado del puesto oficial al cual el candidato desea estar elegido o un empleado o oficial del cuerpo fiscal al cual el candidato desea estar elegido en cuanto al nombramiento o al empleo de una persona que está emparentada con el candidato en un grado prohibido como notado arriba. Esta restricción no se dirige a las acciones de un candidato respecto a una clase o categoría de buena fe de empleados o empleados anticipados.

Los ejemplos de parientes dentro del tercer grado de consanguinidad son los siguientes:

(1) Primer grado: padre, madre, hijo(a); (2) Segundo grado: hermano(a), abuelo(a), nieto(a); (3) Tercer grado: bisabuelo(a), bisnieto(a), tío(a), sobrino(a).

Los siguientes incluyen parientes de linaje (sangre), medios hermanos, y adopción legal.

Los ejemplos de parientes dentro del segundo grado de afinidad son los siguientes:

(1) Primer grado: esposo(a), suegro(a), yerno(a); (2) Segundo grado: cuñado(a), abuelo(a) del esposo o esposa.

Las personas que están emparentadas por afinidad (matrimonio) incluyen los esposos o esposas de parientes que están emparentados por consanguinidad, y, si casados, el esposo o esposa y los parientes del esposo o esposa por consanguinidad. No todos estos ejemplos son inclusivos. NOTAS

1La inclusión del número único de identificación de votante (VUID, por sus siglas en Ingles) es opcional. Sin embargo, para muchos candidatos, es un requisito estar registrados como votantes en el territorio por el cual serían electo/a a partir de la fecha límite de la solicitud. Usted puede encontrar información adicional acerca del requisito de registro de votante en nuestra página: http://www.sos.state.tx.us/elections/candidates/guide/qualifications.shtml

2Todo juramento, testimonio o afirmación hecho dentro de este Estado se podrá administrar y se podrá dar un certificado del hecho por un juez, escribano, o comisionado de alguna corte de registro, un notario público, un juez de paz, secretario de la ciudad, y el Secretario del Estado de Texas.

PARA SU INFORMACIÓN

Toda la información dentro de esta solicitud para un lugar en la boleta es información pública.

2-2 Prescrito por la Secretaría de Estado Secciones 141.031, 172.021, Código Electoral de Texas 8/2017 LISTA DE CUOTAS DE REGISTRO

Senador de los Estados Unidos $5,000

Todos los ostros puestos oficiales representando todo el Estado $3,750

Representante de los Estados Unidos $3,125

Senador del Estado $1,250

Representante del Estado $750

Miembro, Junta de Educación Estatal $300

Juez Presidente o Juez, Corte de Apelación (excepto como provisto abajo)) $1,875

Juez presidente o juez de una corte de apelación que sirve un distrito corte de apelación $2,500 en el cual esté situado completa o parcialmente un condado con una población de más de 750,000 habitantes

Juez de Distrito o Juez mencionado específicamente por la Sec. 52.092(d) por el cual $1,500 esta lista no prescribe de otro modo una gratificación

Juez de Distrito o Juez de Distrito Criminal de una corte en un distrito judicial situado $2,500 completamente en un condado con una población de más de 850,000 habitantes

Juez de una Corte de Condado Estatutaria (excepto como provisto abajo) $1,500

Juez de una corte de condado estatutario en un condado con una población de más de $2,500 850,000 habitantes

Fiscal de Distrito o Fiscal de Distrito Criminal o Procurador del Condado que cumple con $1,250 las mismas obligaciones de un fiscal del distrito

Juez de Condado, Comisionado del Condado, Secretario del Distrito, Secretario del Condado, Alguacil, Asesor-Colector de Impuestos del Condado o Tesorero del Condado Un condado con una población de 200,000 habitantes o más $1,250

Un condado con una población de menos de 200,000 habitantes $750

Juez de Paz o Agente de la policía

Un condado con una población de 200,000 habitantes o más $1,000

Un condado con una población de menos de 200,000 habitantes $375

Agrimensor del Condado, Pesador Público o Inspector de Pieles y Animales $75

Todos los puestos oficiales del condado que no se han mencionado $750 MARCH 6, 2018 - PRIMARY ELECTION Note: This calendar reflects state law as it exists prior to the end of the 2017 special legislative session. This calendar will be subsequently updated, if necessary, to reflect any changes made by the state legislature. First Day to File September 12, 2017 For a Place on the Primary Ballot for Tuesday Precinct Chair Candidates

First Day to File for All Other Candidates November 11, 2017 For Offices that are Regularly Scheduled to Saturday Be on the Primary Ballot

Filing Deadline for Candidates; December 11, 2017 at 6:00 PM Filing Deadline for Independent Candidates Monday To File Intent Declaration

First Day to Apply for a Ballot by Mail January 1, 2018* Using Application for a Ballot by Mail Monday

(ABBM) or Federal Postcard Application *First day to file does not move because of New Year’s Day holiday. An (FPCA) “Annual ABBM” or FPCA for a January or February 2018 election may be filed earlier, but not earlier than the 60th day before the date of the January or February election. Last Day to Register to Vote February 5, 2018* Monday

*Actual deadline falls on Sunday but moves to the next business day.

First Day of Early Voting February 20, 2018* Tuesday

*First business day after Presidents' Day

Last Day to Apply for Ballot by Mail February 23, 2018 Friday (Received, not Postmarked)

Last Day of Early Voting March 2, 2018 Friday

Last Day to Receive Ballot by Mail March 6, 2018 (Election Day) at 7:00 p.m. Tuesday if carrier envelope is not postmarked, OR Wednesday, March 7, 2018 (next business day after Election Day) at 5:00 p.m. if carrier envelope is postmarked by 7:00 p.m. at the location of the election on Election Day (unless overseas or military voter deadlines apply)⁴ 1Under new law, most local entities now have a “first day” to file.

For the few entities who do not have a first day to file: For the May 5, 2018 election, Wednesday, January 17, 2018 is the deadline to post notice of candidate filing deadline for local political subdivisions that do not have a first day to file for their candidates. For the November 6, 2018 election, Monday, July 23, 2018 is the deadline to post notice of candidate filing deadline for local political subdivisions that do not have a first day to file for their candidates. (If the 30th day before last day on which candidate may file falls on a Saturday, deadline moves to next business day).

Local political subdivisions include: cities, school districts, water districts, hospital districts, and any other local government entity that conducts elections. Many of these elections are conducted on the May uniform election date. Note: Counties may also be holding local proposition (measure) elections on May 5, 2018.

2 Filing deadlines: generally, the filing deadline is the 78th day prior to Election Day. The Code may provide a different special election filing deadline. See Section 201.054 of the Texas Election Code (the “Code”). Write-in deadlines for general and special elections vary; the deadline for most local (city, school, other) general elections is now the same day as the filing deadline for application for a place on the ballot in a May election or November election; special election write-in rules vary, see long calendars for details.

3 If no candidate for a four-year term has filed an application for a place on the ballot for a city office, the filing deadline for that office is extended to 5 p.m. of the 57th day before the election. For the May 5, 2018 election, this is Friday, March 9, 2018. For the November 6, 2018 election, this is Monday, September 10, 2018. See Section 143.008 of the Code.

4 Please note that pursuant to House Bills 1151 and 929 (2017), different deadlines apply to the last day to receive ballots sent by the following: 1) non-military and military voters who mailed ballots from overseas and submitted a regular state Application for Ballot By Mail (“ABBM”), 2) non-military voters who mailed ballots from overseas and who submitted a Federal Postcard Application (“FPCA”), and (3) military voters who mailed ballots domestically or from overseas and who submitted an FPCA. See Secs. 86.007, 101.001 and 101.057 of the Code. Please contact the Elections Division of the Office of the Texas Secretary of State at 1-800-252-VOTE (8683) for additional information. MAY 22, 2018 - PRIMARY RUNOFF ELECTION Note: This calendar reflects state law as it exists prior to the end of the 2017 special legislative session. This calendar will be subsequently updated, if necessary, to reflect any changes made by the state legislature. First Day to Apply for a Ballot by Mail January 1, 2018* Using Application for a Ballot by Mail Monday

(ABBM) or Federal Postcard Application *First day to file does not move because of New Year’s Day holiday. An (FPCA) “Annual ABBM” or FPCA for a January or February 2018 election may be filed earlier, but not earlier than the 60th day before the date of the January or February election Last Day to Register to Vote April 23, 2018 Monday

First Day of Early Voting May 14, 2018 Monday

Last Day to Apply for Ballot by Mail May 11, 2018 Friday (Received, not Postmarked)

Last Day of Early Voting May 18, 2018 Friday

Last Day to Receive Ballot by Mail May 22, 2018 (Election Day) at 7:00 p.m. Tuesday If carrier envelope is not postmarked, OR Wednesday, May 23, 2018 (next business day after Election Day) at 5:00 p.m. if carrier envelope is postmarked by 7:00 p.m. at the location of the election on Election Day (unless overseas or military voter deadlines apply)

1Under new law, most local entities now have a “first day” to file.

NOVEMBER 6, 2018 - UNIFORM ELECTION Note: This calendar reflects state law as it exists prior to the end of the 2017 special legislative session. This calendar will be subsequently updated, if necessary, to reflect any changes made by the state legislature. Authority Conducting Elections County Election Officers and Local Political Subdivisions

Deadline to Post Notice of Candidate June 21, 2018 Filing Deadline Thursday

(Local Political Subdivisions Only) For local political subdivisions that have a first day to file for their candidates First Day to Apply for a Ballot by Mail January 1, 2018* Monday *First day to file does not move because of New Year’s Day holiday. An “Annual ABBM” or FPCA for a January or February 2018 election may be filed earlier, but not earlier than the 60th day before the date of the January or February election. First Day to File for Candidates July 21, 2018 For a Place on the General Election Ballot Saturday

(Local Political Subdivisions Only) Last Day to Order a General Election August 20, 2018 (or Special Election on a Measure) Monday

Last Day to File for Candidates August 20, 2018 at 5:00 p.m. For a Place on General Election Ballot Monday

(Local Political Subdivisions Only) See note below relating to four-year terms Last Day to File a Declaration of August 24, 2018 Write-in Candidacy Friday

(Local Political Subdivisions Only) Last Day to Register to Vote October 9, 2018* Tuesday *First business day after Columbus Day First Day of Early Voting October 22, 2018 Monday

Last Day to Apply for Ballot by Mail October 26, 2018 (Received, not Postmarked) Friday

Last Day of Early Voting November 2, 2018 Friday

Last Day to Receive Ballot by Mail November 6, 2018 (Election Day) at 7:00 p.m. Tuesday if carrier envelope is not postmarked, OR Wednesday, November 7, 2018 (next business day after Election Day) at 5:00 p.m. if carrier envelope is postmarked by 7:00 p.m. at the location of the election on Election Day (unless overseas or military voter deadlines apply)⁴ 1Under new law, most local entities now have a “first day” to file.

Important Dates for the Party Conventions, Primary Elections and General Election

Introductory Note Concerning Conventions of Parties Holding Primary Elections

Precinct Conventions

Time and Place: Precinct conventions may be held at a time and place determined by rules adopted by state executive committee of a political party. If precinct conventions are held on general primary election day, the hour set for convening conventions may not be earlier than 7:00 p.m. or later than 9:00 p.m., but a convention may not convene until the last voter has voted at the precinct polling place. If precinct conventions are held on a day other than general primary election day, county executive committee must set the hour for convening or a time frame in which the convention must convene. Tex. Elec. Code Ann. §§ 174.021 & 174.022.

Notice Required: County chair must post notice of date, hour, and place for convening precinct convention on county or state party’s Internet website or other Internet location easily found through a search engine. If county party does not maintain an Internet website, chair shall post notice on the county commissioners court bulletin board. Notice must remain posted continuously for the 10 days immediately preceding the date of convention. Because convention times are not yet determined, this calendar does not show any deadlines for posting such notices. Not later than the 10th day before the date of precinct conventions, county chair must deliver to county election officer written notice, either on paper or in electronic form, of date, hour, and place for convening each precinct convention. Tex. Elec. Code Ann. § 174.023(a), (b).

County and Senatorial Conventions

Time and Place: State executive committee by rule must specify date county and senatorial conventions will be held. Political party may by rule allow a county to hold precinct conventions before county convention on same day and at same place as county convention. Tex. Elec. Code Ann. §§ 172.021 & 174.063(a).

Notice Required: Notice of hour and date for convening county convention must be posted electronically on county or state party’s Internet website or on the bulletin board used for posting notice of meetings of the commissioners court. Notice must remain posted continuously for the 10 days immediately preceding the date of convention. Because convention times are not yet determined, this calendar does not show any deadlines for posting such notices. Not later than the 10th day before the date of county and senatorial convention, county chair must deliver to county election officer written notice, either on paper or in electronic form, of date, hour, and place for convening county and senatorial convention. Tex. Elec. Code Ann. §174.064(a), (b).

State Conventions

Biennial state convention must be convened on a date selected by state executive committee. State convention date is no longer limited to one in June or July. State executive committee must set date of state convention not later than date state chair delivers to county chairs certification of names for placement on the primary election ballot. See entry at December 18, 2017. Accordingly, this calendar does not show any deadline or time frame for holding state convention. Notice of date, hour, and place for convening state convention must be posted by state chair on party’s Internet website before date of party’s precinct conventions. Tex. Elec. Code Ann. §§ 174.092 & 174.093.

September 2017

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12th First day county chairs may accept applications for a place on the ballot for office of precinct chair. Tex. Elec. Code Ann. § 172.023(b). November 2017

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11th First day Republican or Democratic Party candidate may file an application for a place on the primary ballot. Tex. Elec. Code Ann. § 172.023(b).

First day county chairs may accept applications for a place on the primary ballot for office of county chair. Tex. Elec. Code Ann. § 172.023(b).

First day independent candidates may file declaration of intent to run. Tex. Elec. Code Ann. §§ 142.002(b), 172.023.

December 2017

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2nd If a vacancy for an unexpired term in an office of state or county government occurs after the 10th day before the date of the regular filing deadline, but on or before the 5th day before the date of the regular filing deadline (on or after December 2 and on or before December 6), an application for the unexpired term is subject to an extended filing deadline. See entry at December 18, 2017. Tex. Elec. Code Ann. § 202.004(a), (c). 6th Last day a vacancy for an unexpired term may occur and appear on the primary ballot. Tex. Elec. Code Ann. § 202.004(a). 10th Deadline for county chair (or secretary of county executive committee) to post on political party's Internet website or in the location where a candidate files for a place on the ballot a notice containing the address(es) at which county chair and secretary will be available to receive applications on the last day for filing an application. Tex. Elec. Code Ann. § 172.022(b). 11th Last day Democratic or Republican Party candidate may file an application for a place on the primary ballot (6 p.m.). Tex. Elec. Code Ann. § 172.023(a).

NOTE: This deadline is also applicable to applications for a place on the primary election ballot to fill a vacancy for an unexpired term in an office of the state or county government that occurred on or before the 10th day before the date of the regular filing deadline. Tex. Elec. Code Ann. § 202.004(b). See entry at December 18, 2017 for Extended Deadlines

Last day county chairs may accept applications for a place on the ballot for office of county or precinct chair (6 p.m.). Tex. Elec. Code Ann. § 172.023(a).

Last day independent candidates may file declaration of intent to run (6 p.m.). Tex. Elec. Code Ann. §§ 142.002, 172.023(a).

Last day minor party candidates may file applications to be nominated by convention (5 p.m.). Tex. Elec. Code Ann. § 181.033(a). A political party by rule may extend the filing deadline for applications for nomination for an office for which a candidate who has made application withdraws, dies, or is declared ineligible. Tex. Elec. Code Ann. § 181.033(b). 12th If a candidate withdraws, dies or is declared ineligible by this date, the name is omitted from the primary ballot. Tex. Elec. Code Ann. §§ 172.057(a) & 172.058(a) 18th Deadline for state or county chair, as applicable, to receive applications for a place on the general primary election ballot for an unexpired term for a vacancy in an office of the state or county government that occurs after the 10th day (December 1, 2017) before the date of the regular filing deadline, but on or before the 5th day (December 6, 2017) before the date of the regular filing deadline (6 p.m.). Tex. Elec. Code Ann. § 202.004(a), (c). (This deadline is extended by Tex. Elec. Code Ann. § 1.006 from the 5th day after the date of the regular filing deadline for the general primary election, which falls on Saturday, December 16.)

Extended Deadline (6 p.m.) for state or county chair to receive an application for a place on the general primary election ballot for an office if a candidate who has made an application that complies with the applicable requirements:

 dies on or after the fifth day before the date of the regular filing deadline (December 6, 2017) and on or before the first day after the date of the regular filing deadline (December 12, 2017);  holds the office for which the application was made and withdraws or is declared ineligible on the date of the regular filing deadline (December 11, 2017) or on the first day after the date of the regular filing deadline (December 12, 2017); or  withdraws or is declared ineligible on the date of the regular filing deadline (December 11, 2017) or on the first day after the date of the regular filing deadline (December 12, 2017), and at the time of the withdrawal or declaration of ineligibility no other candidate has made an application that complies with the applicable requirements for the office sought by the withdrawn or ineligible candidate. Tex. Elec. Code Ann. § 172.054(b).

(This deadline is extended by Tex. Elec. Code Ann. § 1.006 from the 5th day after the date of the regular filing deadline for the general primary election, which falls on Saturday, December 16.)

NOTE: An application filed by mail with state chair under this Extended Deadline provision is not timely if received later than 5:00 p.m. on the Extended Deadline.

Recommended deadline for state chair to certify to Secretary of State for placement on the general primary election ballot the name of each candidate who files with chair an application that complies with Section 172.021(b) of the Texas Election Code on or before December 11, 2017. Tex. Elec. Code Ann. § 172.028(a).

NOTE: The Texas Election Code does not provide a deadline for state chairs to make their certification. However, because a new law enacted by the 2015 Legislature requires state chairs to notify county chairs no later than the 9th day after the regular filing deadline that the list of district and statewide candidates for the primary has been posted on Secretary of State’s website, it is reasonable to request state chairs to make the certification no later than December 18, 2017 so that the information can be posted to Secretary of State’s website on or before December 20, 2017, the 9th day after the regular filing deadline. See entry at December 21, 2017 for certification of candidates who file with state chair an application that complies with Section 172.021(b) of the Texas Election Code on or before the Extended Deadline of December 18, 2017. 20th Date by which Secretary of State anticipates posting on Secretary of State’s Internet website that is viewable by the public certified list of candidates who filed on or before December 11, 2017 provided by state chairs. Tex. Elec. Code Ann. § 172.028(a).

Deadline for state chair to notify county chair in each county in which the candidate’s name is to appear on the ballot that certification of candidates who filed on or before December 11, 2017 has been posted by Secretary of State. Tex. Elec. Code Ann. § 172.028(b). See entry at December 21, 2017 for supplemental notification of certification of candidates who filed with state chair on or before the Extended Deadline of December 18, 2017.

Deadline for state executive committee to set date, hour, and place for convening state convention. Tex. Elec. Code Ann. §§ 174.092 & 174.093.

NOTE: Section 174.092(b) of the Texas Election Code provides that state executive committee must set date, hour, and place for convening state convention not later than the date state chair delivers to county chairs certification of names for placement on the general primary ballot. However, Section 172.028(a) of the Texas Election Code was amended by House Bill 3103, 2013 Legislative Session, to provide that the state chair no longer certifies names of the district and statewide candidates for the primary ballot to county chairs. Instead, state chair certifies candidate names to Secretary of State and Secretary of State posts candidate names on his website. Section 172.028(b) of the Texas Election Code was amended by Senate Bill 1703, 2015 Legislative Session, to provide that state chair must notify county chair in each county not later than the 9th day after the regular filing deadline that certification has been posted by Secretary of State. Accordingly, the calendar continues to show the 9th day after the regular filing deadline as the deadline for state executive committee to set the date, hour, and place for convening the state convention.

Deadline for chair to post notice on the party’s website 24 hours preceding the date, hour, and place of ballot drawing if ballot drawing is conducted on December 21, 2017. If the party does not maintain an Internet website, the party must post notice on the commissioners court bulletin board. All candidates who provide an email address on their filing form must be notified electronically of drawing. Tex. Elec. Code Ann. § 172.082(e).

NOTE: Section 172.082(e) was amended in 2017 by House Bill 1735 to require that the notice be posted on the party’s internet website, and only on the commissioners court bulletin board if the party does not maintain a website. 21st Deadline for county chair to conduct drawing for candidate order on ballot (unless committee provides by resolution that the county executive committee is to conduct drawing). Tex. Elec. Code Ann. § 172.082(c), as amended by House Bill 1735, 2017 Legislative Session.

NOTE: Section 172.082(b) was amended in 2017 by House Bill 1735 to allow the county chair to conduct the ballot drawing, unless the county executive committee provides by resolution that the drawing shall be conducted by the county executive committee. Additionally, section 172.082(c) was amended by House Bill 1735 to no longer require that the ballot drawing be conducted in the county seat. Recommended deadline for state chair to certify to Secretary of State for placement on the general primary election ballot the name of each candidate who files with chair an application that complies with Section 172.021(b) of the Texas Election Code after December 11, 2017 and on or before December 18, 2017. Tex. Elec. Code Ann. §§ 172.028(a), 172.029.

NOTE: The purpose of this recommendation is to ensure that candidates whose applications are filed in accordance with the Extended Deadlines under Section 202.004(a), (c) of the Texas Election Code, as amended by Senate Bill 904, 2013 Legislative Session, and Section 172.054(b) of the Texas Election Code, as amended by Senate Bills 904 and 910, 2013 Legislative Session, are added to the list of certified candidates previously submitted by state chair to Secretary of State. See entries at December 12, 2017 and December 28, 2017. 28th Date by which Secretary of State anticipates posting on Secretary of State’s Internet website, that is viewable by the public, additions to the certified list of candidates provided by state chair that are the result of the additional candidates who filed on or before December 18, 2017 in accordance with the Extended Deadlines. Tex. Elec. Code Ann. §§ 172.028(a), 172.029.

Recommended date for state chair to notify county chair in each county in which the candidate’s name is to appear on the ballot that certification of additional candidates who filed by the Extended Deadline on or before December 18, 2017 has been posted by Secretary of State. Tex. Elec. Code Ann. § 172.028(b). See entries at December 11, 2017 and December 18, 2017. 29th Recommended deadline for county chair and state chair to electronically submit certain candidate information (including information on candidates for county and precinct chair) to county election officer, state chair, and Secretary of State. Tex. Elec. Code Ann. § 172.029(c).

Recommended date for county chair to submit the ballot format to primary committee for its approval, for primary committee to approve ballot format, and for county chair to order ballots. Tex. Elec. Code Ann. §§ 86.004(b), 172.083.

January 2018

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1st First day for voters to submit application for ballot by mail for March 6 primary election, or for both the March 6 primary election and May 22 runoff primary election. Tex. Elec. Code Ann. §§ 84.001(e), 84.007. 2nd Last day for party with state organization which intends to make nominations by convention to register with Secretary of State. Tex. Elec. Code Ann. § 181.0041. 20th Deadline for early voting clerk to mail ballots for the primary election to those overseas voters from whom the clerk has already received applications for ballots by mail or federal postcard applications (“FPCA”). Tex. Elec. Code Ann. § 86.004(b). February 2018

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5th Last day citizens may register to vote in March 6 primary election. Tex. Elec. Code Ann. § 13.143(a). (This deadline is extended by Tex. Elec. Code Ann. § § 13.143(e) from the 30th day before election day, which falls on Sunday, February 4.) 20th First day of early voting by personal appearance for March 6 primary election. Tex. Elec. Code Ann. § 85.001(a), (c). (This date is extended by Tex. Elec. Code Ann. § 1.006 from the 20th, which is a Saturday, and as February 19, 2017 is President’s Day) 23rd Last day for early voting clerk to receive application for ballot by mail for March 6 primary election. Tex. Elec. Code Ann. § 84.007(c).

Last day for early voting clerk to receive an FPCA for March 6 primary election. Tex. Elec. Code Ann. §§ 101.052(g), 114.004(c).

March 2018

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2nd Last day of early voting by personal appearance for March 6 primary election. Tex. Elec. Code Ann. § 85.001(a). 6th Primary election day. Tex. Elec. Code Ann. § 41.007(a). 7th First day independent candidates for offices not involved in runoff primary election may collect signatures for petitions in connection with applications. Tex. Elec. Code Ann. § 142.009. 12th Last day to post notice of county executive committee's meeting to canvass returns of primary election because canvass must take place on March 15, 2018. Notice must be posted at least 72 hours before scheduled time of meeting. Tex. Elec. Code Ann. § 172.116; Tex. Gov't Code Ann. §§ 551.002, 551.041 & 551.043. 13th Precinct conventions held to elect delegates to county or district conventions of minor parties. Tex. Elec. Code Ann. §§ 181.061(c), 182.005. 15th Local canvass of the primary election by county chair and at least one member of the county executive committee, selected by the county executive committee, must be conducted on this date. Tex. Elec. Code Ann. § 172.116(b), as amended by Senate Bill 1073, 2015 Legislative Session.

NOTE: House Bill 1735, 2017 legislative session, amended section 172.083 of the code to require that the ballot order for a runoff election will be the same as the general election. As thus, a second ballot drawing for the runoff election is no longer required.

Last day to post notice of state executive committee’s meeting to canvass returns of primary election because state canvass must take place on March 18, 2018. Notice must be posted at least 72 hours before the scheduled time of the meeting. Tex. Elec. Code Ann. § 172.120; Tex. Gov’t Code Ann. §§ 551.002, 551.041 & 551.043. 17th County convention for minor parties that are nominating candidates for single-county district, county, or precinct offices. Tex. Elec. Code Ann. §§ 181.061(c), 182.005. 18th Deadline for state executive committee to conduct state canvass for all races with potential runoffs (races with three or more candidates). See entry under March 28, 2018. State chair must certify these candidates for statewide and district offices for placement on runoff primary election ballot to county chair as soon as practicable after canvass is completed. Tex. Elec. Code Ann. §§172.120(b)(1) & 172.121. 21th Last day runoff primary candidates may withdraw from ballot (5 p.m.), if the state canvass was held on March 18, 2018. Tex. Elec. Code Ann. § 172.059. 22nd Recommended deadline if state canvass is held on March 18, 2018 for state chair to certify candidates for statewide and district offices for placement on runoff primary ballot. Tex. Elec. Code Ann. § 172.121. 24th District convention for minor parties nominating candidates for multi-county district offices. Tex. Elec. Code Ann. § 181.061(b). 28th Deadline for state executive committee to conduct state canvass for races with no potential runoff. Tex. Elec. Code Ann. § 172.120(b)(2). See entry under March 18, 2018.

April 2018

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4th Deadline for county chair to post on the secretary of state’s website the names of persons elected as county chair and precinct chair for the county. Tex. Elec. Code Ann. § 172.118.

NOTE: House Bill 1735, 2017 legislative session, amended section 172.118 so that written notice is no longer required to be delivered to the state chair or county clerk. Instead, this information is posted to the secretary of state’s website. 7th Deadline for early voting clerk to mail ballots for the runoff primary election to those overseas voters from whom the clerk has already received applications for ballots by mail or FPCAs. Tex. Elec. Code Ann. § 86.004(b). 14th State convention for minor party that is nominating candidates for statewide offices. Tex. Elec. Code Ann. § 181.061(a). 23rd Last day to register to vote in May 22 runoff primary election. Tex. Elec. Code Ann. § 13.143(a). (This deadline is extended by Tex. Elec. Code Ann. § 13.143(e) from the 30th day before election day, which falls on Sunday, April 22.) May 2018

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11th Last day for early voting clerk to receive application for ballot by mail for May 22 runoff primary election. Tex. Elec. Code Ann. § 84.007(c).

Last day for early voting clerk to receive an FPCA for May 22 runoff primary election. Tex. Elec. Code Ann. §§ 101.052(g), 114.004(c). 14th First day of early voting by personal appearance for May 22 runoff primary election. Tex. Elec. Code Ann. § 85.001(b), (c). 18th Last day of early voting by personal appearance for May 22 runoff primary election. Tex. Elec. Code Ann. § 85.001(a). 21st Last day minor party chairs may submit petitions and precinct convention lists to Secretary of State and to the appropriate county clerk (or other county election official) for placement on the November general election ballot. Tex. Elec. Code Ann. §§ 181.005(a), 181.006(b)(3), 181.061(c), 182.003 & 182.004. (This deadline is extended by Tex. Elec. Code Ann. § 1.006 because the 75th day after the precinct conventions falls on Sunday, May 20.) 22nd Runoff primary election day. Tex. Elec. Code Ann. § 41.007(b). 23rd First day independent candidates for offices involved in runoff election may collect signatures for applications. Tex. Elec. Code Ann. § 142.009. 28th Last day to post notice of meeting to canvass returns of runoff primary election because canvass must take place on May 31, 2018. Notice must be posted at least 72 hours before scheduled time of meeting. Tex. Elec. Code Ann. § 172.116; Tex. Gov't Code Ann. §§ 551.002, 551.041 & 551.043. 31st Local canvass of the runoff primary election by county chair and at least one member of the county executive committee, selected by the county executive committee, must be conducted on this date. Tex. Elec. Code Ann. § 172.116(b).

June 2018

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6th Last day to post notice of state executive committee’s meeting to canvass returns of runoff primary election if state canvass takes place on June 9, 2018. Notice must be posted at least 72 hours before the scheduled time of the meeting. Tex. Elec. Code Ann. § 172.120; Tex. Gov’t Code Ann. §§ 551.002, 551.041 & 551.043. 9th Deadline for state executive committee to conduct state canvass. Tex. Elec. Code Ann. §§172.120(b-1). 11th New party officers take office. Tex. Elec. Code Ann. § 171.022(c). 20th Deadline for county chair to post on the secretary of state’s website the names of persons elected as county chair and precinct chair for the county. Tex. Elec. Code Ann. § 172.118.

NOTE: House Bill 1735, 2017 legislative session, amended section 172.118 so that written notice is no longer required to be delivered to the state chair or county clerk. Instead, this information is posted to the secretary of state’s website. 21st Last day independent candidates may file applications and petitions (5 p.m.). Tex. Elec. Code Ann. § 142.006. 29th Deadline for state chair to deliver state executive committee's tabulation of runoff primary election to Secretary of State and to certify list of candidates for statewide and district offices who received the necessary votes for nomination at the runoff primary election to Secretary of State, if state executive committee canvassed on June 19, 2018. Tex. Elec. Code Ann. §§ 172.120(f), 172.122). July 2018

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11th Deadline by which former county chair must transfer party bank accounts and records to new county chair; it is a Class C misdemeanor if the former county chair fails to transfer the records. Tex. Elec. Code Ann. § 171.028. 21st First day candidates may file declaration of write-in candidacy for November 6 general election. Tex. Elec. Code Ann. § 146.025. August 2018

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20th Last day to order November 6 general election. Tex. Elec. Code Ann. §§ 3.003, 3.005.

Last day candidates may file declaration of write-in candidacy for November 6 general election (5 p.m.). 24th Last day candidates may withdraw from or be declared ineligible for general election. October 2018

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8th Last day citizens may register to vote in November 6 general election. Tex. Elec. Code Ann. § 13.143(a). (This deadline is extended by Tex. Elec. Code Ann. § 13.143(e) from the 30th day before election day, which falls on Sunday, October 7, to the next business day after Columbus Day, which is Monday, October 8.) 22nd First day of early voting by personal appearance for November 6 general election. Tex. Elec. Code Ann. §§ 85.001(a). 26th Last day for early voting clerk to receive application for ballot by mail for November 6 general election. Tex. Elec. Code Ann. § 84.007(c).

Last day for early voting clerk to receive FPCA for November 6 general election. Tex. Elec. Code Ann. §§ 101.052(g), 114.004(c). November 2018

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2nd Last day of early voting by personal appearance for November 6 general election. Tex. Elec. Code Ann. § 85.001(a). 6th General election day. Tex. Elec. Code Ann. § 41.002.

POLITICAL ADVERTISING What You Need To Know

The Texas Election Law requires certain disclosures and notices on political advertising. The law also prohibits certain types of misrepresentation in political advertising and campaign communications. This brochure explains what you need to know to insure that your political advertising and campaign communications comply with the law.

If you are not sure what the law requires, do the cautious thing. Use the political advertising disclosure statement whenever you think it might be necessary, and do not use any possibly misleading information in political advertising or a campaign communication. If you are using political advertising or campaign communications from a prior campaign, you should check to see if the law has changed since that campaign.

Candidates for federal office should check with the Federal Election Commission at (800) 424- 9530 for information on federal political advertising laws.

NOTICE: This guide is intended only as a general overview of the disclosure statements that must appear on political advertising as required under Chapter 255 of the Election Code, which is distinct from political reporting requirements under Chapter 254 of the Election Code.

Texas Ethics Commission P.O. Box 12070 Austin, Texas 78711-2070

(512) 463-5800 FAX (512) 463-5777 TDD (800) 735-2989 Visit us at www.ethics.state.tx.us on the Internet.

Revised January 1, 2017 Political Advertising—What You Need To Know

REQUIRED DISCLOSURE ON POLITICAL ADVERTISING

I. What Is Political Advertising?

The disclosure statement and notice requirements discussed in this section apply to “political advertising.” In the law, “political advertising” is a specifically defined term. Do not confuse this special term with your own common-sense understanding of advertising.

To figure out if a communication is political advertising, you must look at what it says and where it appears. If a communication fits in one of the categories listed in Part A (below) and if it fits in one of the categories listed in Part B (below), it is political advertising.

Part A. What Does It Say?

1. Political advertising includes communications supporting or opposing a candidate for nomination or election to either a public office or an office of a political party (including county and precinct chairs).

2. Political advertising includes communications supporting or opposing an officeholder, a political party, or a measure (a ballot proposition).

Part B. Where Does It Appear?

1. Political advertising includes communications that appear in pamphlets, circulars, fliers, billboards or other signs, bumper stickers, or similar forms of written communication.

2. Political advertising includes communications that are published in newspapers, magazines, or other periodicals in return for consideration.

3. Political advertising includes communications that are broadcast by radio or television in return for consideration.

4. Political advertising includes communications that appear on an Internet website.

II. When Is A Disclosure Statement Required?

The law provides that political advertising that contains express advocacy is required to include a disclosure statement. The person who causes the political advertising to be published, distributed, or broadcast is responsible for including the disclosure statement.

The law does not define the term “express advocacy.” However, the law does provide that political advertising is deemed to contain express advocacy if it is authorized by a candidate, an agent of a candidate, or a political committee filing campaign finance reports. Therefore, a disclosure statement is required any time a candidate, a candidate’s agent, or a political committee authorizes political advertising.

Texas Ethics Commission Page 1 Revised 01/01/2017 Political Advertising—What You Need To Know

The precise language of political advertising authorized by someone other than a candidate, the candidate’s agent, or a political committee will determine if the advertising contains express advocacy and is therefore required to include a disclosure statement. Generally, the question is whether the communication expressly advocates the election or defeat of an identified candidate, or expressly advocates the passage or defeat of a measure, such as a bond election. The inclusion of words such as “vote for,” “elect,” “support,” “defeat,” “reject,” or “Smith for Senate” would clearly constitute express advocacy, but express advocacy is not limited to communications that use those words. Similar phrases, such as “Cast your ballot for X,” would also constitute express advocacy. Additionally, in 2007, the United States Supreme Court held that an advertisement included express advocacy or its functional equivalent “if the ad is susceptible to no reasonable interpretation other than as an appeal to vote for or against a specific candidate.” FEC v. Wisconsin Right to Life, Inc., 127 S.Ct. 2652 (2007). It is a question of fact whether a particular communication constitutes express advocacy. If you are not sure whether political advertising contains express advocacy, do the cautious thing and include the disclosure statement. That way there is no need to worry about whether you have violated the law.

Remember: The concept of “express advocacy” is relevant in determining whether political advertising is required to include a disclosure statement. However, the political advertising laws governing the right-of-way notice, misrepresentation, and use of public funds by political subdivisions will apply to political advertising regardless of whether the advertising contains express advocacy.

III. What Should The Disclosure Statement Say?

A disclosure statement must include the following:

1. the words “political advertising” or a recognizable abbreviation such as “pol. adv.”; and

2. the full name of one of the following: (a) the person who paid for the political advertising; (b) the political committee authorizing the political advertising; or (c) the candidate or specific-purpose committee supporting the candidate, if the political advertising is authorized by the candidate.

The disclosure statement must appear on the face of the political advertising or be clearly spoken if the political advertising does not include written text.

The advertising should not be attributed to entities such as “Committee to Elect John Doe” unless a specific-purpose committee named “Committee to Elect John Doe” has filed a campaign treasurer appointment with the Ethics Commission or a local filing authority.

IV. Are There Any Exceptions To The Disclosure Statement Requirement?

The following types of political advertising do not need the disclosure statement:

1. t-shirts, balloons, buttons, emery boards, hats, lapel stickers, small magnets, pencils, pens, pins, wooden nickels, candy wrappers, and similar materials;

2. invitations or tickets to political fundraising events or to events held to establish support for a candidate or officeholder;

Texas Ethics Commission Page 2 Revised 01/01/2017 Political Advertising—What You Need To Know

3. an envelope that is used to transmit political advertising, provided that the political advertising in the envelope includes the disclosure statement;

4. circulars or fliers that cost in the aggregate less than $500 to publish and distribute; and

5. political advertising printed on letterhead stationery, if the letterhead includes the name of one of the following: (a) the person who paid for the advertising, (b) the political committee authorizing the advertising, or, (c) the candidate or specific-purpose committee supporting the candidate, if the political advertising is authorized by the candidate. (Note: There is also an exception for holiday greeting cards sent by an officeholder, provided that the officeholder’s name and address appear on the card or the envelope.)

V. What Should I Do If I Discover That My Political Advertising Does Not Contain A Disclosure Statement?

The law prohibits a person from using, causing or permitting to be used, or continuing to use political advertising containing express advocacy if the person knows it does not include the disclosure statement. A person is presumed to know that the use is prohibited if the Texas Ethics Commission notifies the person in writing that the use is prohibited. If you receive notice from the Texas Ethics Commission that your political advertising does not comply with the law, you should stop using it immediately.

If you learn that a political advertising sign designed to be seen from the road does not contain a disclosure statement or contains an inaccurate disclosure statement, you should make a good faith attempt to remove or correct those signs that have been distributed. You are not required to attempt to recover other types of political advertising that have been distributed with a missing or inaccurate disclosure statement.

VI. The Fair Campaign Practices Act.

The Fair Campaign Practices Act sets out basic rules of decency, honesty, and fair play to be followed by candidates and political committees during a campaign. A candidate or political committee may choose to subscribe to the voluntary code by signing a copy of the code and filing it with the authority with whom the candidate or committee is required to file its campaign treasurer appointment. A person subscribing to the code may indicate that fact on political advertising by including the following or a substantially similar statement:

(Name of the candidate or political committee, as appropriate) subscribes to the Code of Fair Campaign Practices.

VII. Special Rule For Judicial Candidates, Officeholders, and Committees.

Candidates for the Supreme Court, Court of Criminal Appeals, courts of appeals, district courts, statutory county courts (county courts-at-law), and statutory probate courts are required to file a form declaring their intent to either comply with or exceed the voluntary expenditure limits of the Judicial Campaign Fairness Act. A candidate who has declared an intent to comply with the expenditure limits, as well as a specific-purpose committee supporting such a candidate, may

Texas Ethics Commission Page 3 Revised 01/01/2017 Political Advertising—What You Need To Know state the following in political advertising:

Political advertising paid for by (name of candidate or committee) in compliance with the voluntary limits of the Judicial Campaign Fairness Act.

If a candidate declares an intent to exceed the expenditure limits, however, both the candidate and any specific-purpose committee supporting the candidate must include in their political advertising the following statement:

Political advertising paid for by (name of candidate or committee), (who or which) has rejected the voluntary limits of the Judicial Campaign Fairness Act.

ROAD SIGNS

I. When Is The “Right-Of-Way” Notice Required?

All written political advertising that is meant to be seen from a road must carry a “right-of-way” notice. It is a criminal offense to omit the “right-of-way” notice in the following circumstances:

1. if you enter into a contract or agreement to print or make written political advertising meant to be seen from a road; or

2. if you instruct another person to place the written political advertising meant to be seen from a road.

II. What Should The “Right-Of-Way” Notice Say?

Section 255.007 of the Texas Election Code prescribes the exact language of the notice:

NOTICE: IT IS A VIOLATION OF STATE LAW (CHAPTERS 392 AND 393, TRANSPORTATION CODE) TO PLACE THIS SIGN IN THE RIGHT-OF- WAY OF A HIGHWAY.

III. Do Yard Signs Have To Have The “Right-Of-Way” Notice?

Yes. The “right-of-way” notice requirement applies to signs meant to be seen from any road. The notice requirement assures that a person responsible for placing signs is aware of the restriction on placing the sign in the right-of-way of a highway.

IV. What About Bumper Stickers?

Bumper stickers do not need the “right-of-way” notice. They do, however, need a political advertising disclosure statement.

Texas Ethics Commission Page 4 Revised 01/01/2017 Political Advertising—What You Need To Know

V. Where May I Place My Signs And How Long May Signs Be Posted?

For information about exactly where you may or may not place signs, or for information regarding the length of time your signs may be posted, check with your city or county government and with the Texas Department of Transportation at (512) 416-2901.

MISREPRESENTATION

I. Are There Restrictions On The Contents Of Political Advertising?

Political advertising and campaign communications may not misrepresent a person’s identity or official title, nor may they misrepresent the true source of the advertising or communication. The election law does not address other types of misrepresentation in political advertising or campaign communications.

Note that the misrepresentation rules apply to both political advertising and campaign communications. “Campaign communication” is a broader term than “political advertising.”

A “campaign communication” means “a written or oral communication relating to a campaign for nomination or election to public office or office of a political party or to a campaign on a measure.”

II. Misrepresentation Of Office Title.

A candidate may not represent that he or she holds an office that he or she does not hold at the time of the representation. If you are not the incumbent in the office you are seeking, you must make it clear that you are seeking election rather than reelection by using the word “for” to clarify that you don’t hold that office. The word “for” must be at least one-half the type size as the name of the office and should appear immediately before the name of the office. For example, a non-incumbent may use the following formats:

John Doe Vote John Doe For for Attorney General Attorney General

Texas Ethics Commission Page 5 Revised 01/01/2017 Political Advertising—What You Need To Know

III. Misrepresentation Of Identity Or Source.

A person violates the law if, with intent to injure a candidate or influence the result of an election, the person misrepresents the source of political advertising or a campaign communication or if the person misrepresents his or her own identity or the identity of his or her agent in political advertising or in a campaign communication. (If someone else is doing something for you, that person is your agent.) For example, you may not take out an ad in favor of your opponent that purports to be sponsored by a notoriously unpopular group.

IV. Use Of State Seal.

Only officeholders may use the state seal in political advertising.

Texas Ethics Commission Page 6 Revised 01/01/2017

In compliance with the Americans With Disabilities Act, the publications of the Texas Ethics Commission are available in alternative formats. The Texas Ethics Commission is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate in providing services and employment. Copies of this publication have been distributed in compliance with the State Depository Law.

APPOINTMENT OF A CAMPAIGN TREASURER FORM CTA BY A CANDIDATE PG 1

1 Total pages filed: See CTA Instruction Guide for detailed instructions.

MS / MRS / MR FIRST MI 2 CANDIDATE OFFICE USE ONLY NAME

Filer ID # ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ NICKNAME LAST SUFFIX Date Received

3 CANDIDATE ADDRESS / PO BOX; APT / SUITE #; CITY; STATE; ZIP CODE MAILING ADDRESS

Date Hand-delivered or Postmarked

4 CANDIDATE AREA CODE PHONE NUMBER EXTENSION Receipt # Amount $ PHONE () Date Processed

5 OFFICE Date Imaged HELD (if any)

6 OFFICE SOUGHT (if known)

7 CAMPAIGN MS/MRS/MR FIRST MI NICKNAME LAST SUFFIX TREASURER NAME

8 CAMPAIGN STREET ADDRESS (NO PO BOX PLEASE); APT / SUITE #; CITY; STATE; ZIP CODE TREASURER STREET ADDRESS

(residence or business)

9 CAMPAIGN AREA CODE PHONE NUMBER EXTENSION TREASURER PHONE ()

10 CANDIDATE SIGNATURE I am aware of the Nepotism Law, Chapter 573 of the Texas Government Code.

I am aware of my responsibility to file timely reports as required by title 15 of the Election Code.

I am aware of the restrictions in title 15 of the Election Code on contributions from corporations and labor organizations.

Signature of Candidate Date Signed

GO TO PAGE 2

Forms provided by Texas Ethics www.ethics.state.tx.us Revised 10/28/2016 CANDIDATE MODIFIED FORM CTA REPORTING DECLARATION PG 2

11 CANDIDATE NAME

12 MODIFIED REPORTING COMPLETE THIS SECTION ONLY IF YOU ARE DECLARATION CHOOSING MODIFIED REPORTING

•• This declaration must be filed no later than the 30th day before the first election to which the declaration applies. ••

•• The modified reporting option is valid for one election cycle only. •• (An election cycle includes a primary election, a general election, and any related runoffs.)

•• Candidates for the office of state chair of a political party may NOT choose modified reporting. ••

I do not intend to accept more than $500 in political contributions or make more than $500 in political expenditures (excluding filing fees) in connection with any future election within the election cycle. I understand that if either one of those limits is exceeded, I will be required to file pre-election reports and, if necessary, a runoff report.

Year of election(s) or election cycle to Signature of Candidate which declaration applies

This appointment is effective on the date it is filed with the appropriate filing authority.

Forms provided by Texas Ethics www.ethics.state.tx.us Revised 10/28/2016 TEXAS ETHICS COMMISSION

APPOINTMENT OF A CAMPAIGN TREASURER BY A CANDIDATE

FORM CTA  INSTRUCTION GUIDE

Revised July 14, 2010

Texas Ethics Commission, P.O. Box 12070, Austin, Texas 78711 (512) 463-5800 FAX (512) 463-5777 TDD 1-800-735-2989 Visit us at http://www.ethics.state.tx.us on the Internet.

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER The Texas Ethics Commission does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age or disability in employment or the provision of services. FORM CTAINSTRUCTION GUIDE

TABLE OF CONTENTS

GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS

Duties of a Candidate or Officeholder ...... 1 Qualifications of Campaign Treasurer ...... 1 Duties of a Campaign Treasurer ...... 1 Requirement to File Before Beginning a Campaign ...... 1 Where to File a Campaign Treasurer Appointment ...... 2 Filing With a Different Authority ...... 3 Forming A Political Committee ...... 3 Changing a Campaign Treasurer ...... 4 Amending a Campaign Treasurer Appointment ...... 4 Reporting Requirement for Certain Officeholders ...... 4 Terminating a Campaign Treasurer Appointment ...... 4 Filing a Final Report ...... 4 Electronic Filing ...... 5 Guides ...... 5

SPECIFIC INSTRUCTIONS

Page 1 ...... 5 Page 2 ...... 6

Form CTAInstruction Guide

APPOINTMENT OF A CAMPAIGN TREASURER BY A CANDIDATE

GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS

These instructions are for the APPOINTMENT OF A CAMPAIGN TREASURER BY A CANDIDATE (Form CTA). Use Form CTA only for appointing your campaign treasurer. Use the AMENDMENT (Form ACTA) for changing information previously reported on Form CTA and for renewing your choice to report under the modified schedule. Note: Candidates for most judicial offices use Form JCTA to file a campaign treasurer appointment.

DUTIES OF A CANDIDATE OR OFFICEHOLDER. As a candidate or officeholder, you alone, not the campaign treasurer, are responsible for filing this form and all candidate/officeholder reports of contributions, expenditures, and loans. Failing to file a report on time or filing an incomplete report may subject you to criminal or civil penalties.

QUALIFICATIONS OF CAMPAIGN TREASURER. A person is ineligible for appointment as a campaign treasurer if the person is the campaign treasurer of a political committee that has outstanding filing obligations (including outstanding penalties). This prohibition does not apply if the committee in connection with which the ineligibility arose has not accepted more than $5,000 in political contributions or made more than $5,000 in political expenditures in any semiannual reporting period. A person who violates this prohibition is liable for a civil penalty not to exceed three times the amount of political contributions accepted or political expenditures made in violation of this provision. Note: A candidate may appoint himself or herself as his or her own campaign treasurer.

DUTIES OF A CAMPAIGN TREASURER. State law does not impose any obligations on a candidate’s campaign treasurer.

REQUIREMENT TO FILE BEFORE BEGINNING A CAMPAIGN. If you plan to run for a public office in Texas (except for a federal office), you must file this form when you become a candidate even if you do not intend to accept campaign contributions or make campaign expenditures. A “candidate” is a person who knowingly and willingly takes affirmative action for the purpose of gaining nomination or election to public office or for the purpose of satisfying financial obligations incurred by the person in connection with the campaign for nomination or election. Examples of affirmative action include: (A) the filing of a campaign treasurer appointment, except that the filing does not constitute candidacy or an announcement of candidacy for purposes of the automatic resignation provisions of Article XVI, Section 65, or Article XI, Section 11, of the Texas Constitution; (B) the filing of an application for a place on the ballot; (C) the filing of an application for nomination by convention;

Texas Ethics Commission Page 1 Revised 07/14/2010 Form CTA - Instruction Guide

(D) the filing of a declaration of intent to become an independent candidate or a declaration of write-in candidacy; (E) the making of a public announcement of a definite intent to run for public office in a particular election, regardless of whether the specific office is mentioned in the announcement; (F) before a public announcement of intent, the making of a statement of definite intent to run for public office and the soliciting of support by letter or other mode of communication; (G) the soliciting or accepting of a campaign contribution or the making of a campaign expenditure; and (H) the seeking of the nomination of an executive committee of a political party to fill a vacancy. Additionally, the law provides that you must file this form before you may accept a campaign contribution or make or authorize a campaign expenditure, including an expenditure from your personal funds. A filing fee paid to a filing authority to qualify for a place on a ballot is a campaign expenditure that may not be made before filing a campaign treasurer appointment form with the proper filing authority.

If you are an officeholder, you may make officeholder expenditures and accept officeholder contributions without having a campaign treasurer appointment on file. If you do not have a campaign treasurer appointment on file and you wish to accept campaign contributions or make campaign expenditures in connection with your office or for a different office, you must file this form before doing so. In such a case, a sworn report of contributions, expenditures, and loans will be due no later than the 15th day after filing this form.

WHERE TO FILE A CAMPAIGN TREASURER APPOINTMENT. The appropriate filing authority depends on the office sought or held.

a. Texas Ethics Commission. The Texas Ethics Commission is the appropriate filing authority for the Secretary of State and for candidates for or holders of the following offices:

 Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Attorney General, Comptroller, Treasurer, Land Commissioner, Agriculture Commissioner, Railroad Commissioner.

 State Senator or State Representative.  Supreme Court Justice, Court of Criminal Appeals Judge, and Court of Appeals Judge.*

 State Board of Education.

 A multi-county district judge* or multi-county district attorney.

 A single-county district judge.*

Texas Ethics Commission Page 2 Revised 07/14/2010 Form CTAInstruction Guide

 An office of a political subdivision other than a county if the political subdivision includes areas in more than one county and if the governing body of the political subdivision has not been formed.

 A chair of the state executive committee of a political party with a nominee on the ballot in the most recent gubernatorial election.  A county chair of a political party with a nominee on the ballot in the most recent gubernatorial election if the county has a population of 350,000 or more.

* Judicial candidates use FORM JCTA to appoint a campaign treasurer.

b. County Clerk. The county clerk (or the county elections administrator or tax assessor, as applicable) is the appropriate local filing authority for a candidate for:

 A county office.

 A precinct office.

 A district office (except for multi-county district offices).  An office of a political subdivision other than a county if the political subdivision is within the boundaries of a single county and if the governing body of the political subdivision has not been formed.

c. Local Filing Authority. If a candidate is seeking an office of a political subdivision other than a county, the appropriate filing authority is the clerk or secretary of the governing body of the political subdivision. If the political subdivision has no clerk or secretary, the appropriate filing authority is the governing body’s presiding officer. Basically, any political subdivision that is authorized by the laws of this state to hold an election is considered a local filing authority. Examples are cities, school districts, and municipal utility districts.

FILING WITH A DIFFERENT AUTHORITY. If you have a campaign treasurer appointment on file with one authority, and you wish to accept campaign contributions or make or authorize campaign expenditures in connection with another office that would require filing with a different authority, you must file a new campaign treasurer appointment and a copy of your old campaign treasurer appointment (certified by the old authority) with the new filing authority before beginning your campaign. You should also provide written notice to the original filing authority that your future reports will be filed with another authority.

FORMING A POLITICAL COMMITTEE. As a candidate, you must file an APPOINTMENT OF A CAMPAIGN TREASURER BY A CANDIDATE (FORM CTA). You may also form a specific-purpose committee to support your candidacy. Remember that filing a campaign treasurer appointment for a political committee does not eliminate the requirement that a candidate file his or her own campaign treasurer appointment (FORM CTA) and the related reports.

NOTE: See the Campaign Finance Guide for Political Committees for further information about specific-purpose committees.

Texas Ethics Commission Page 3 Revised 07/14/2010 Form CTA - Instruction Guide

CHANGING A CAMPAIGN TREASURER. If you wish to change your campaign treasurer, simply file an amended campaign treasurer appointment (FORM ACTA). This will automatically terminate the outgoing campaign treasurer appointment.

AMENDING A CAMPAIGN TREASURER APPOINTMENT. If any of the information reported on the campaign treasurer appointment (FORM CTA) changes, file an AMENDMENT: APPOINTMENT OF A CAMPAIGN TREASURER BY A CANDIDATE (FORM ACTA) to report the change.

REPORTING REQUIREMENT FOR CERTAIN OFFICEHOLDERS. If you are an officeholder who appoints a campaign treasurer after a period of not having one, you must file a report of contributions, expenditures, and loans no later than the 15th day after your appointment is effective. This requirement is not applicable if you are a candidate or an officeholder who is merely changing campaign treasurers.

TERMINATING A CAMPAIGN TREASURER APPOINTMENT. You may terminate your campaign treasurer appointment at any time by:

1) filing a campaign treasurer appointment for a successor campaign treasurer, or

2) filing a final report.

Remember that you may not accept any campaign contributions or make or authorize any campaign expenditures without a campaign treasurer appointment on file. You may, however, accept officeholder contributions and make or authorize officeholder expenditures.

If your campaign treasurer quits, he or she must give written notice to both you and your filing authority. The termination will be effective on the date you receive the notice or on the date your filing authority receives the notice, whichever is later.

FILING A FINAL REPORT. For filing purposes, you are a “candidate” as long as you have an appointment of campaign treasurer on file. If you do not expect to accept any further campaign contributions or to make any further campaign expenditures, you may file a final report of contributions and expenditures. A final report terminates your appointment of campaign treasurer and relieves you of the obligation of filing further reports as a candidate. If you have surplus funds, or if you retain assets purchased with political funds, you will be required to file annual reports. (See instructions for FORM C/OH - UC.) If you are an officeholder at the time of filing a final report, you may be required to file semiannual reports of contributions, expenditures, and loans as an officeholder.

If you do not have an appointment of campaign treasurer on file, you may not accept campaign contributions or make campaign expenditures. A payment on a campaign debt is a campaign expenditure. An officeholder who does not have an appointment of campaign treasurer on file may accept officeholder contributions and make officeholder expenditures.

Texas Ethics Commission Page 4 Revised 07/14/2010 Form CTAInstruction Guide

To file a final report, you must complete the CANDIDATE/OFFICEHOLDER CAMPAIGN FINANCE REPORT (FORM C/OH), check the “final” box on Page 1, Section 9, and complete and attach the DESIGNATION OF FINAL REPORT (FORM C/OH-FR).

ELECTRONIC FILING. All persons filing campaign finance reports with the Texas Ethics Commission are required to file those reports electronically unless the person is entitled to claim an exemption. Please check the Ethics Commission’s website at http://www.ethics.state.tx.us for information about exemptions from the electronic filing requirements.

GUIDES. All candidates should review the applicable Ethics Commission’s campaign finance guide. Guides are available on the Ethics Commission’s website at http://www.ethics.state.tx.us.

SPECIFIC INSTRUCTIONS

Each numbered item in these instructions corresponds to the same numbered item on the form.

PAGE 1

1. TOTAL PAGES FILED: After you have completed the form, enter the total number of pages of this form and any additional pages. A “page” is one side of a two-sided form. If you are not using a two-sided form, a “page” is a single sheet.

2. CANDIDATE NAME: Enter your full name, including nicknames and suffixes (e.g., Sr., Jr., III), if applicable. Enter your name in the same way on Page 2, Section 11, of this form.

3. CANDIDATE MAILING ADDRESS: Enter your complete mailing address, including zip code. This information will allow your filing authority to correspond with you. If this information changes, please notify your filing authority immediately.

4. CANDIDATE PHONE: Enter your phone number, including the area code and extension, if applicable.

5. OFFICE HELD: If you are an officeholder, please enter the office you currently hold. Include the district, precinct, or other designation for the office, if applicable.

6. OFFICE SOUGHT: If you are a candidate, please enter the office you seek, if known. Include the district, precinct, or other designation for the office, if applicable.

7. CAMPAIGN TREASURER NAME: Enter the full name of your campaign treasurer, including nicknames and suffixes (e.g., Sr., Jr., III), if applicable.

8. CAMPAIGN TREASURER STREET ADDRESS: Enter the complete street address of your campaign treasurer, including the zip code. You may enter either the treasurer’s business or residential street address. If you are your own treasurer, you may enter either your business or residential street address. Please do not enter a P.O. Box.

Texas Ethics Commission Page 5 Revised 07/14/2010 Form CTA - Instruction Guide

9. CAMPAIGN TREASURER PHONE: Enter the phone number of your campaign treasurer, including the area code and extension, if applicable.

10. CANDIDATE SIGNATURE: Enter your signature after reading the summary. Your signature here indicates that you have read the following summary of the nepotism law; that you are aware of your responsibility to file timely reports; and that you are aware of the restrictions on contributions from corporations and labor organizations.

 The Texas nepotism law (Government Code, chapter 573) imposes certain restrictions on both officeholders and candidates. You should consult the statute in regard to the restrictions applicable to officeholders.

 A candidate may not take an affirmative action to influence an employee of the office to which the candidate seeks election in regard to the appointment, confirmation, employment or employment conditions of an individual who is related to the candidate within a prohibited degree.

 A candidate for a multi-member governmental body may not take an affirmative action to influence an officer or employee of the governmental body to which the candidate seeks election in regard to the appointment, confirmation, or employment of an individual related to the candidate in a prohibited degree.

 Two people are related within a prohibited degree if they are related within the third degree by consanguinity (blood) or the second degree by affinity (marriage). The degree of consanguinity is determined by the number of generations that separate them. If neither is descended from the other, the degree of consanguinity is determined by adding the number of generations that each is separated from a common ancestor. Examples: (1) first degree - parent to child; (2) second degree - grandparent to grandchild; or brother to sister; (3) third degree - great-grandparent to great-grandchild; or aunt to niece who is child of individual’s brother or sister. A husband and wife are related in the first degree by affinity. A wife has the same degree of relationship by affinity to her husband’s relatives as her husband has by consanguinity. For example, a wife is related to her husband’s grandmother in the second degree by affinity.

PAGE 2

11. CANDIDATE NAME: Enter your name as you did on Page 1.

12. MODIFIED REPORTING DECLARATION: Sign this option if you wish to report under the modified reporting schedule.

The modified reporting option is not available for candidates for the office of state chair of a political party.

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To the left of your signature, enter the year of the election or election cycle to which your selection of modified reporting applies.

Your selection of modified reporting is valid for an entire election cycle. For example, if you choose modified reporting before a primary election, your selection remains in effect for any runoff and for the general election and any related runoff. You must make this selection at least 30 days before the first election to which your selection applies.

An opposed candidate in an election is eligible to report under the modified reporting schedule if he or she does not intend to accept more than $500 in political contributions or make more than $500 in political expenditures in connection with an election. The amount of a filing fee paid to qualify for a place on the ballot does not count against the $500 expenditure limit. An opposed candidate who reports under the modified schedule is not required to file pre-election reports (due 30 days and 8 days before an election) or runoff reports (due 8 days before a runoff). (Note: An unopposed candidate is not required to file pre-election reports in the first place.) The obligations to file semiannual reports, special pre-election reports (formerly known as telegram reports), or special session reports, if applicable, are not affected by selecting the modified schedule.

The $500 maximums apply to each election within the cycle. In other words, you are limited to $500 in contributions and expenditures in connection with the primary, an additional $500 in contributions and expenditures in connection with the general election, and an additional $500 in contributions and expenditures in connection with a runoff.

EXCEEDING $500 IN CONTRIBUTIONS OR EXPENDITURES. If you exceed $500 in contributions or expenditures in connection with an election, you must file according to the regular filing schedule. In other words, you must file pre-election reports and a runoff report, if you are in a runoff.

If you exceed either of the $500 limits after the 30th day before the election, you must file a sworn report of contributions and expenditures within 48 hours after exceeding the limit. After that, you must file any pre-election reports or runoff reports that are due under the regular filing schedule.

Your selection is not valid for other elections or election cycles. Use the amendment form (ACTA) to renew your option to file under the modified schedule for a different election year or election cycle.

For more information, see the Ethics Commission’s campaign finance guide that applies to you.

Texas Ethics Commission Page 7 Revised 07/14/2010 Texas Ethics Commission P.O. Box 12070 Austin, Texas 78711-2070 (512) 463-5800 (TDD 1-800-735-2989)

CODE OF FAIR CAMPAIGN FORM CFCP PRACTICES COVER SHEET

OFFICE USE ONLY

Pursuant to chapter 258 of the Election Code, every candidate and Date Received political committee is encouraged to subscribe to the Code of Fair Campaign Practices. The Code may be filed with the proper filing authority upon submission of a campaign treasurer appointment form. Candidates or political committees that already have a current campaign treasurer appointment on file as of September 1, 1997, may subscribe to the code at any time. Date Hand-delivered or Postmarked

Date Processed Subscription to the Code of Fair Campaign Practices is voluntary.

Date Imaged

1 ACCOUNT NUMBER 2 TYPE OF FILER (Ethics Commission Filers) CANDIDATE POLITICAL COMMITTEE

If filing as a candidate, complete boxes 3 - 6, If filing for a political committee, complete then read and sign page 2. boxes 7 and 8, then read and sign page 2.

3 NAME OF CANDIDATE TITLE (Dr., Mr., Ms., etc.) FIRST MI

(PLEASE TYPE OR PRINT) ○ ○ ○ ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ NICKNAME LAST SUFFIX (SR., JR., III, etc.)

4 TELEPHONE NUMBER AREA CODE PHONE NUMBER EXTENSION OF CANDIDATE ( ) (PLEASE TYPE OR PRINT)

5 ADDRESS OF CANDIDATE STREET / PO BOX; APT / SUITE #; CITY; STATE; ZIP CODE

(PLEASE TYPE OR PRINT)

6 OFFICE SOUGHT BY CANDIDATE

(PLEASE TYPE OR PRINT)

7 NAME OF COMMITTEE (PLEASE TYPE OR PRINT)

8 NAME OF CAMPAIGN TITLE (Dr., Mr., Ms., etc.) FIRST MI TREASURER

GO TO PAGE 2

www.ethics.state.tx.us Revised 11/23/2010 Texas Ethics Commission P.O. Box 12070 Austin, Texas 78711-2070 (512) 463-5800 (TDD 1-800-735-2989)

CODE OF FAIR CAMPAIGN PRACTICES

There are basic principles of decency, honesty, and fair play that every candidate and political committee in this state has a moral obligation to observe and uphold, in order that, after vigorously contested but fairly conducted campaigns, our citizens may exercise their constitutional rights to a free and untrammeled choice and the will of the people may be fully and clearly expressed on the issues.

THEREFORE:

(1) I will conduct the campaign openly and publicly and limit attacks on my opponent to legitimate challenges to my opponent’s record and stated positions on issues.

(2) I will not use or permit the use of character defamation, whispering campaigns, libel, slander, or scurrilous attacks on any candidate or the candidate’s personal or family life.

(3) I will not use or permit any appeal to negative prejudice based on race, sex, religion, or national origin.

(5) I will not undertake or condone any dishonest or unethical practice that tends to corrupt or undermine our system of free elections or that hampers or prevents the full and free expression of the will of the voters, including any activity aimed at intimidating voters or discouraging them from voting.

(6) I will defend and uphold the right of every qualified voter to full and equal participation in the electoral process, and will not engage in any activity aimed at intimidating voters or discouraging them from voting.

(7) I will immediately and publicly repudiate methods and tactics that may come from others that I have pledged not to use or condone. I shall take firm action against any subordinate who violates any provision of this code or the laws governing elections.

I, the undersigned, candidate for election to public office in the State of Texas or campaign treasurer of a political committee, hereby voluntarily endorse, subscribe to, and solemnly pledge myself to conduct the campaign in accordance with the above principles and practices.

Signature Date

www.ethics.state.tx.us Revised 11/23/2010 CHAPTER 258. FAIR CAMPAIGN PRACTICES

Sec. 258.001. Short Title

This chapter may be cited as the Fair Campaign Practices Act.

Sec. 258.002. Purpose

(a) The purpose of this chapter is to encourage every candidate and political committee to subscribe to the Code of Fair Campaign Practices.

(b) It is the intent of the legislature that every candidate and political committee that subscribes to the Code of Fair Campaign Practices will follow the basic principles of decency, honesty, and fair play to encourage healthy competition and open discussion of issues and candidate qualifications and to discourage practices that cloud the issues or unfairly attack opponents.

Sec. 258.003. Delivery of Copy of Code

(a) When a candidate or political committee files its campaign treasurer appointment, the authority with whom the appointment is filed shall give the candidate or political committee a blank form of the Code of Fair Campaign Practices and a copy of this chapter.

(b) The authority shall inform each candidate or political committee that the candidate or committee may subscribe to and file the code with the authority and that subscription to the code is voluntary.

Sec. 258.004. Text of Code

The Code of Fair Campaign Practices reads as follows:

CODE OF FAIR CAMPAIGN PRACTICES

THEREFORE:

(1) I will conduct the campaign openly and publicly and limit attacks on my opponent to legitimate challenges to my opponent's record and stated positions on issues.

(2) I will not use or permit the use of character defamation, whispering campaigns, libel, slander, or scurrilous attacks on any candidate or the candidate's personal or family life.

(3) I will not use or permit any appeal to negative prejudice based on race, sex, religion, or national origin.

(4) I will not use campaign material of any sort that misrepresents, distorts, or otherwise falsifies the facts, nor will I use malicious or unfounded accusations that aim at creating or exploiting doubts, without justification, as to the personal integrity or patriotism of my opponent. (5) I will not undertake or condone any dishonest or unethical practice that tends to corrupt or undermine our system of free elections or that hampers or prevents the full and free expression of the will of the voters, including any activity aimed at intimidating voters or discouraging them from voting.

....void--copy only--void....

______Date Date Signature

[This document is a copy of chapter 258, Election Code. To subscribe to the Code of Fair Campaign Practices, a candidate or campaign treasurer of a political committee must submit Texas Ethics Commission form CFCP, not a signed copy of this document.]

Sec. 258.005. Forms

The commission shall print copies of the Code of Fair Campaign Practices and shall supply the forms to the authorities with whom copies of the code may be filed in quantities and at times requested by the authorities.

Sec. 258.006. Acceptance and Preservation of Copies

(a) An authority with whom a campaign treasurer appointment is filed shall accept each completed copy of the code submitted to the authority that is properly subscribed to by a candidate or the campaign treasurer of a political committee.

(b) Each copy of the code accepted under this section shall be preserved by the authority with whom it is filed for the period prescribed for the filer's campaign treasurer appointment.

Sec. 258.007. Subscription to Code Voluntary

The subscription to the Code of Fair Campaign Practices by a candidate or a political committee is voluntary.

Sec. 258.008. Indication on Political Advertising

A candidate or a political committee that has filed a copy of the Code of Fair Campaign Practices may so indicate on political advertising in a form to be determined by the commission.

Sec. 258.009. Civil Cause of Action

This chapter does not create a civil cause of action for recovery of damages or for enforcement of this chapter.